Tag: secondhand

Donations don’t have to be monetary. Next time you get in the spring cleaning mood, box up your used items and drop them off at a local thrift store in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. Most resale shops are run by unpaid volunteers and the profits go to a charitable organization. Your unwanted items might help fund dinner at a soup kitchen, tutoring for school children, or college classes for a single parent. Not sure what to give?

1. Clothing

Skip the well-worn children’s play shirts and box up clothing that still has several wears left. Holiday outfits, snow boots, winter coats, swimsuits, and prom dresses make excellent donations. These specialized pieces of clothing are often unaffordable to a family on a strict budget, making them perfect items for a thrift store.

2. Furniture

Thrift stores love to receive basic, everyday furniture items. Donations of tables, chairs, couches, loveseats, beds frames, clean mattresses, and coffee tables help people set up a new home affordably. Make sure the furniture is sturdy and clean. Nobody wants to buy a couch with odors or a table that wobbles.

3. Household Appliances

Look around your kitchen and thin out any duplicates. If you received a new blender for your birthday, send the old one to the thrift store. When taking appliances to a thrift store, make sure they are in good working order and have all the parts, including safety features. Appliances in high demand are washing machines, clothing dryers, dishwashers, toasters, coffee makers, vacuums, televisions, and hot plates.

4. Baby Supplies

Newborns seem to grow out of clothing in a matter of weeks, while toddlers dismiss toys after a few uses. Send these essentials on so another parent can put them to good use. All baby supplies should be sanitized or in their original packaging before dropping them off at the store. If you donate a crib or car seat, check the national recalled items registry online to make sure the product is safe.

What about clothes, furniture, books and unwanted gifts? Selling them is an option but wouldn’t it be great if there was a new home for the things we no longer want, passing them on to someone who could make use of them, and help to reduce the amount of rubbish that ends up in landfill? Ask friends and family if they’re in need of particular items. It’s the easiest way to start.

• Rescue – could a torn cushion be sewed or a zip replaced in that skirt? Do it yourself, ask a friend to help, or find a professional who can do it for you.
• Repurpose – could that scratched coffee table find a new home in the garden with a lick of paint? Would a crafting friend welcome that old counterpane for her patchwork project? Use your imagination and ask yourself if your stuff could find a new life.
• Check out the inspiring ideas from websites. 
• If all else fails, find your nearest recycling centre through the Recycling Locator or your local council website.
• Some centres also sell good quality items, or goods such as compost made from garden and food waste – so your unwanted television could be heading for a new home after all.
• Look for recycling banks in supermarket and local car parks. This is the best option for clothes and shoes which are beyond wear – the fibres can still be recycled.
• Take them to thrift stores in Lebanon, TN for donation. It is a non profit organization and will accept your items if found suitable.

At the start of every new year, many of us will compile a list of goals for the months to come, as well as old habits we plan to ditch. While they usually tap into topics such as health and fitness, a new study has found people are putting eco resolutions at the top of their list for 2020.

Research conducted by has discovered that over 41% of people in US have already added a sustainable resolution to their goals list for the upcoming year, as they want to do all they can to live a greener lifestyle.

Using less plastic came out on top, with 22% of people in US saying this was something they wanted to do more of next year. A further 18% explained that their goal is to recycle more, while 12% want to eat less meat.

Elsewhere, the study found that more people want to shop ethically, as one in 10 people said they would try to purchase items from a thrift shop in Lebanon, TN instead of buying new.

Across the UK, London and the East Midlands were most likely to make sustainable goals, while residents in cities such as Brighton and Edinburgh were also found to prioritise eco resolutions.

Top 5 sustainable resolutions for 2020

1. Use less plastic
2. Recycle more
3. Be more sustainable
4. Eat less meat
5. Buy second-hand items

We all know the environmental benefits of buying used clothes, and it’s no secret that thrift stores are a whole lot cheaper than retail. But to some, the endless racks of yawn-worthy garments at your average Salvation Army can be a little intimidating. Rest assured, there are techniques for tackling those racks. As a lifelong thrift-shopping enthusiast, I wanted to share some of my tips for efficient, fun and successful thrifting trips.

1. Do Your Research

Some thrift stores focus more on household items than clothes. Others have scanty collections of nearly everything. Consult friends or the good ole’ internet to find out which stores in your area have the best clothing selections. As in so many cases, Yelp can help you discover wonders.

2. Alterations Are Everything

From chopping high-waisted pants into cut-off shorts to taking the sleeves off of dresses, using a little craftiness to alter thrift-store finds opens up worlds. Taking in waists, bringing up hems and other simple alterations used to be common place, and these simple sewing staples are pretty easy to learn. One of my favorite ways to transform thrifted pieces? Turning baggy bootcuts into skinny boyfriend jeans by taking out the flare (see my tutorial here).

3. Look at Labels

I’m not saying to hold out for Burberry and Alexander Wang. I’m saying to look for brands known for their durability. Think L.L. Bean, Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein over Forever XI, Old Navy and Cherokee. Another thing to check out on labels: materials. You’re likely to find wool and cashmere sweaters mixed in with polyester pieces, so check for natural fibers.

4. Keep an Eye Out For items That May Not Be In Your Size

There are certain things people never really stop wearing. These include turtlenecks, belts, shirt dresses, costume jeans, oversized sweaters and flannel button ups. If you’re open to a little alteration, look for jeans, dresses and skirts that can be shortened or taken in.

5. Don’t Walk Away With Too Much

With such cheap prices, it’s so easy to start throwing anything remotely cute into your cart. Which is more or less fine – it’s important to be open-minded to items at thrift stores in Lebanon, TN But be sure to sort carefully through your finds after hitting the dressing room. Buying five sweaters just because they’re only 3.99 will leave you with the same kind of overstuffed wardrobe as a fast fashion binge.

The fact that charitable giving can help reduce your tax burden is well known, especially if you’re in a high bracket. But the benefits of giving extend far beyond tax breaks.

Of course, giving can be a challenge – especially when money is tight. After all, your income could just as easily go toward a college savings fund for your kids, a much-needed vacation, or even a new pair of shoes.

But whether you’re interested in the tax benefits or have altruistic motives – or a little of both – you can end up getting back a lot more than you give when you donate valuable items, cold hard cash, or even your time to your favorite causes. In fact, the emotional, social, psychological, and financial benefits of charitable giving often outweigh the satisfaction of splurging on yourself or your family.

The Benefits of Giving Things Away

1. Activate the Reward Center in Your Brain

A study by a University of Oregon professor and his colleagues demonstrates that charitable contributions create a response in the brain that mimics one activated by drugs and other stimuli. This response elicits a surge of dopamine and endorphins that are experienced as “hedonic” and rewarding. Charitable giving can feel pleasurable in the deepest parts of your physiology – more so than a night on the town or a new outfit.

2. Improve Life Satisfaction

A German study provides ample evidence that people who give more to others – in both time and resources – experience greater satisfaction in life than people who do not. In fact, communities of people with high levels of giving tend to demonstrate greater satisfaction within the community than groups of people who do not give generously. Essentially, you’re going to be happier in your community if it’s made up of folks who give to one another.

3. Feel Happier

While life satisfaction is one thing, general happiness is another. In a study by professors at the University of Missouri – Columbia and the University of California – Riverside, people who gave to others tend to score much higher on feelings of joy and contentment than individuals who did not give to others.

4. Protect Your Local Community

National safety net programs, such as Food Stamps and disability benefits, can be of great benefit to Americans, but giving to community organizations can provide important local safety nets that guarantee vital assistance during crises and emergencies as well. Community organizations tend to respond faster and more appropriately to the needs of local communities than larger organizations do, and these agencies obtain most of their funding from private donations. Local giving, therefore, provides support for the programs that enhance community well-being.

5. Improve Key Measurements of Your Health

People who volunteer score better on key measurements in overall health, such as resilience during physical activity and blood pressure levels, than people who do not. An article in Consumer Reports indicates that older adults who volunteer their time have improved cognitive function, increased walking speed, increased ability to climb stairs, and decreased rates of television watching than people who do not volunteer. All of these indicators are linked to better health in elderly individuals.

Final Word

Interestingly, research has indicated that the people who spend the most time thinking about charitable giving are actually the least likely to give. Unlike impulsive spending, impulsively giving can bring wonderful benefits to your mind, body, and community.

If you’re nervous about starting with cash donations, get your feet wet by giving away some items to a thrift store in Lebanon, TN that you don’t want anymore, such as toys, clothes, or furniture. Then, when you’re in a position to give financially, take that step – you’re not only benefiting the well-being of those you give to, you’re benefiting your own as well.

Many people don’t ever consider buying second hand when they are in need of something. Most of us are stuck in our routines of going to the same high street shops and never looking elsewhere. Part of the charm of second-hand items is their history; vintage clothes have become more popular in the past few years. But there are so many benefits to shopping second hand from thrift shops in Panama City Beach, FL, which you might not have considered before.

Saving Money

The most obvious benefit of shopping for second-hand items is the reduced cost. Many people don’t realize the number of things available to buy second hand- from clothes to furniture- you can get pretty much anything you need. Buying a Whill mobility scooter is a great option to make accessibility more affordable.

A lot of second-hand items, particularly in the case of furniture, tend to be higher quality. Would you rather buy a cheap IKEA flat pack table or a solid wood one for the same price? Second-hand shopping can help you kit out your whole house on a budget. On occasion, you might also find designer items in second-hand shops. It means you get incredible quality for a small percentage of the cost. Regularly shopping for second-hand items, instead of heading to the high street, will make your money go further.

Helping the Environment

It is shocking to think about how something simple like buying a new dress requires manufacturing, transport, and packing, before eventually ending up in a landfill site. All of this damages the environment needlessly when there are perfectly good dresses waiting to be discovered in second hand or charity shops!

When you consider the amount we consume on a day-to-day basis, and how much we throw away, it is hardly surprising the environment is suffering. Buying second-hand products, which would otherwise be thrown away despite being in good condition, prevents excess waste. So, second-hand shopping is helping you to do your bit for the environment.

The Excitement

We all love finding a good bargain. Taking the time to explore a second-hand shop is not dissimilar to a treasure hunt. You might not always find what you are looking for, but often it is the unexpected purchases that stay with us the longest and make us the most excited. Part of the thrill of second-hand shopping is that you will find a unique vintage item to spark your imagination.

Most of us are led by the latest fashion trends when shopping for new clothes. You won’t find the same items cropping up again and again in charity shops, which means you have far more choice in your purchases than you would in chain stores.

Supporting Local Businesses

Many high streets have been overrun with popular chain stores, forcing smaller businesses to close down. It has taken a large amount of the personality and individuality away from towns and cities. It feels almost as if you could go to any city in the country and find the same town center.

Shopping in second-hand stores means you are contributing directly to your community- helping to keep local businesses running or supporting local charities. You’ll find that these stores are less busy than others, so you’ll have plenty of time to browse at your leisure, and you’ll receive much more personal customer service.

Clear Conscience

Not only does buying second enable you to help the environment, reducing the demand for clothing means that you are contributing to reducing labor in less developed countries. The clothing industry is, unfortunately, one of the most unethical industries in the world. Clothing companies take advantage of workers who are willing to work in overcrowded environments for a minimum wage.

Producing clothes requires work with chemicals such as dyes and fabric glue, which can be very harmful to both the environment and the people working with them. By shopping second hand, you aren’t contributing any money to the clothing industry. The impact of your actions might seem insignificant, but imagine if everyone started to shop like this. The clothing industry would be under huge pressure to improve working conditions.

Second-hand shopping is the perfect way to find everything you need, for a fraction of the price you’d find on the high street. The benefits span from helping your local community to thrive, to being able to diversify your wardrobe and stand out from the crowd.

Second-hand shops and charity shops also tend to have fewer customers, which means you’ll get much better customer service than you’d find on the high street. There is nothing more enjoyable than finding a great deal, so head to your nearest charity shop today and see what you can pick up.

There’s really something to be said for buying furniture second-hand. Here’s why you should consider go the thrifty route when you need something, rather than hitting up a new furniture store.

1. It can be high quality stuff.

Because a piece of furniture is second-hand, it has already survived the test of time. Really good furniture should last for decades, even a century or more. If the frame is solid, it may only need some basic restoration to look amazing. And all of that comes (usually) at a fraction of the price you’d pay for new.

2. It saves resources and reduces waste.

The furniture industry is an enormously wasteful one. From textiles and woods to plastics and resins, it takes a lot to create the items in your home, especially if they’re built to last only a few years before breaking or looking out of date. Buying second-hand reduces demand for new resources, and it comes without packaging.

3. You won’t be so attached.

Miles describes this as ‘guilty attachment,’ and I suspect we can all relate to the feeling. When you’ve spent too much money on something, you feel you cannot let it go. She writes: “It is tempting to keep things we don’t really like, need or use, simply because we paid more than we should have in the first place, and won’t be able to recoup that. When you buy things second-hand, you’re much more likely to pay a fair price – and if you change your mind, be able to sell it on at a similar price.”

4. It is more community-oriented.

Some people might protest that buying second-hand disadvantages local business owners, but I think that buying second-hand is simply another way to support a local economy. The folks selling their stuff online are ordinary individuals hoping to make some money or declutter their homes.

Many second-hand stores are privately owned or run by charitable organizations that give back to the community just like thrift stores in Panama City Beach, FL. Any refinishing or reupholstering work that needs to be done will likely be done by a local craftsperson.

5. It creates stories.

Second-hand furniture has more personality than new, whether it’s the story of how you got it or the seller’s account of that piece’s history. For example, when my husband and I purchased our home, it came with a heavy old wooden bookshelf that the seller told us was bought in Pakistan by a diplomat brother in the 1960s and shipped overseas to Canada — not a story I could buy anywhere.

6. It is healthier.

Second-hand furniture doesn’t off-gas and fill your home with noxious fumes. Cheap new furniture is often made of particle board, which is held together by formaldehyde, a recognized carcinogen that causes eye and nose irritation.

As Lloyd wrote on TreeHugger a few years back: “The best way to avoid formaldehyde is to buy used, whether it is an older home where it has had the time to off-gas, or furniture that has stood the test of time. Or, buy solid wood furniture instead of particle board.”Furnishing your home with second-hand pieces will certainly take more time than if you made a single shopping trip to a big box store, but your home will end up having more character, warmth, and interest — and you’ll have more money in your bank account, which is always a good thing.