How does thrift stores help people find work opportunities?
In America, millions of people face barriers to finding employment. Barriers to work opportunities can include factors such as a lack of training or education, limited access to job search resources, or a lack of career-building skills.
For people with disabilities, finding job opportunities and securing meaningful employment can be particularly difficult.
That’s why, for more than 100 years, thrift stores are committed to putting people to work. Driven to help those in need, mission is to enhance others’ dignity and quality of life by providing employment and job skills training services.
As a member of Goodwill Industries International, they are a part of the world’s largest and most successful network providing employment and training services for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment.
They strive to strengthen local communities, eliminate barriers to opportunity, and help people reach their full potential through learning and the power of work.
At thrift shops, they offer a wide array of services and programs to assist individuals in finding and obtaining employment. They are pleased to provide skills training, career planning, job placement, coaching support, worksite support services and other related services designed to help individuals with disabilities and veterans achieve their vocational goals.
Through work, the individuals served by Goodwill receive more than a paycheck; they gain independence and a sense of personal fulfillment.
Goodwill is only able to continue providing employment services and job training with your ongoing support. The next time you donate your gently-used items to thrift stores in Destin, FL or shop in one of retail stores, consider the powerful impact your good deed.
They thank you for your help in creating jobs, enriching local community, and building brighter futures for individuals and their families.
We all know how important it is to reduce, reuse, and recycle to limit our impact on the environment. But it’s easy to forget how everyday actions can make a difference for the planet.
So, what are some simple things to do to make your everyday routine more eco-friendly? We have five ways to live more sustainably today.
Use less water One of the easiest ways to make a positive, eco-friendly difference around your home is by conserving clean water. Even if you don’t live in an area affected by drought, cutting back on the amount of water you use reduces waste and can lower your monthly utility bill.
Start simple: turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth, switch to a water efficient shower head, and water outdoor plants in the morning when you’ll need less water.
Go paperless Technology today has made it possible to reduce the amount of paper we needlessly waste. Whenever possible, try to go digital instead of printing.
Ask for paperless billing from your bank, use e-tickets for movies and events, and scan documents into your computer instead of printing multiple copies. You’ll reduce excess clutter and save a few trees in the process!
Prevent plastic waste Millions of pounds of single-use plastic waste are generated each year, but only a small percentage ever gets recycled. Plastic pollution frequently ends up in our planet’s oceans, which in turn harms animals and damages coastlines.
Fortunately, there are easy ways to reduce your plastic use. For example, bring a reusable bag to the grocery store and use reusable straws and water bottles instead of plastic.
Reduce air pollution Air pollution is harmful to our lungs and the environment. If you live in a city with public transit, try to use it frequently. Or, combine trips and carpool with family or friends to reduce emissions and save money on gas. When possible, walk or bike to nearby destinations to avoid making unnecessary car trips.
Give a new life to used items Do you have clothes and household goods that you no longer want, use, or need? Don’t throw them away – donate them! When you throw away reusable items such as clothing, they end up sitting in landfills where they take a long time to break down.
Not only is this bad for the environment, but there are many people who can use these items, even if you don’t want them anymore. The next time you clean out your closet or garage, ditch the dumpster and donate your gently used items to your local thrift shops in Destin, FL where they’ll be given a new life and a new purpose.
It’s never too early or too late to begin living more sustainably, and donating to thrift shop is a great place to start.
By donating to thrift shops, not only are you committing to environmental sustainability, but you’re also making a greater difference in your community! Your gently-used items will be sold at affordable prices to neighbors who can use them.
Then, the proceeds from the sale of your goods help fund Goodwill’s job training and employment services for individuals with disabilities and local veterans.
It all adds up to a positive impact for you, the planet, and your community! Find a retail store or attended donation center near you to make a donation today.
Hands-down, jeans are the best bargain in any thrift store. Where I live, high-quality used jeans sell for $7.99-$12.99 a pair. And though that may seem high for “pre-loved” denim, consider this: According to Statista, a consumer market research company, the average retail price of women’s jeans was $165 in 2018.
Think all thrift store jeans are junk? Think again. There are loads of high-quality clothes in thrift stores if you know what to look for.
2. Tools
Tools are go-items at thrift stores and something I always buy at estate sales. I’m not talking about circular saws and welding torches here, just basic tools everyone should have.
Since much of what gets donated is older, it’s easy to find used tools that are well-made and proven by years of dedicated service.
Look for genuine made-in-America stuff, like your parents or grandparents had. And don’t let a little surface rust discourage you. With just the slightest TLC, most old tools can go for another generation or two.
3. Totes, trays and baskets
Sure, Amazon sells countless products to organize your home. But, again: Why pay retail?
Canvas totes are always on my shopping list. They’re handy for stowing items in the trunk of my car, packing for an overnight trip, and shopping at garage sales and flea markets.
Trays and baskets are my other go-to storage items. Trays are perfect for displaying cologne, organizing TV remotes or storing craft supplies. Use baskets to store pet supplies, winter gear and bath towels.
4. Holiday decorations
Psst: When you pay less for holiday decorations, you’ll have more money to spend on gifts.
Over the years, I’ve built a handsome collection of handmade Christmas tree ornaments — all purchased at thrift shops for about 50 cents apiece.
And, like clockwork every year, I find a box of brand-new holiday greeting cards for a dollar or two. (Sorry, retailers, but spending $6 to $12 a box just doesn’t work for me.)
But why stop there? Thrift stores sell artificial trees, tree skirts, wreaths and wrapping paper. Best of all, when you buy from charity-related shops, you’re directing your dollars toward worthy causes. And that’s a good idea every season of the year.
5. Art and craft supplies
Thrift stores offer limitless options for artists and crafters.
Besides old canvases that can be painted over, I look for vintage photographs, wallpaper samples, fabric, yarn, pottery and silverware.
With a little inspiration, nearly everything in a thrift shop can be reimagined and repurposed. And since the raw materials are so inexpensive, you can let your creative spirit run wild.
6. Dishware
I’ll say it loud and proud: “I buy all my dishes at thrift stores.” Sure, nothing matches in the strictest sense, but that’s part of the fun.
Creative designers make an art form of setting tables with highly curated “mismatched” sets of dinnerware. You can copy this great look for pennies at a thrift store. Here’s how:
I choose a main color family (classic whites and creams) and an accent color (navy blue).
Next, I let my creativity take over, buying interesting pieces that fit within my chosen palette.
Every plate, bowl, cup and saucer is different, yet it all works together.
When a cup breaks, I pick up a used, unique replacement. Stress level? Zero. Cost? Practically zero.
7. Perfume
Though I’m not a big fan of perfume, many of my friends and family are. It’s a treat to find a bottle of Burberry or Dior mixed in with thrift stores’ standard fare of Avon and Charlie.
And it happens more often than you might think. Most major department stores donate their perfume testers. Look for the telltale missing cap. (Caps are removed so used bottles can’t be returned as new.)
The best part? Many thrift shops aren’t familiar with high-end fragrance brands. Some bottles sell for $3 or $4 apiece.
8. One-of-a-kind items
I’m always on the lookout for the weird and wonderful.
Kids’ pinch pots with wild glazes, threadbare silk rugs, a stack of black and white snapshots — these one-of-a-kind items make our homes unique. And they can all be found in thrift stores.
A few years ago, I stumbled upon a hand-painted image of a sleeping dog. It’s primitive, but done with such care that I couldn’t pass it up. Today, that $4 find is one of my most treasured possessions.
One of the biggest trends this year was sustainability. From the looks of it, the popularity of it is not going anywhere. A recent survey found that two-thirds of Americans take into account sustainability when making a purchase.
If you are part of that two-thirds, you are probably looking for ways to be more sustainable. Start living sustainably by building a sustainable wardrobe. The fashion choices you make impact the environment.
What is sustainability?
Sustainability is meeting the demands for right now without limiting the resources for future generations. This means making choices that do not threaten the environment and are ethical for people.
Why is sustainability important?
Making more sustainable choices is important to protect the planet. Currently, the fashion industry is the second largest polluting industry, right after the oil industry.
It is estimated that each year about 85 percent of textiles that are produced end up in landfills.
When producing clothes, these factories dump untreated toxic waste into rivers and lakes. These toxic chemicals cause harm to the aquatic environment.
Not only do these factories pollute water, but they also consume large amounts of water. In 2015, it was estimated that the fashion industry consumed 79 billion cubic meters of water.
HOW TO BUILD A SUSTAINABLE WARDROBE
Upcycle your old clothing
One misconception that many people have is that you need to get rid of your existing clothes and buy new sustainable garments. However, this is not the case. You do not need to throw all your current clothes away to be sustainable.
If you have a pair of jeans or a dress that you no longer wear, upcycle it. You can make the jeans into shorts or turn it into a purse. Dye your dress to make it look fresh. Or, you can transform that dress into a skirt. The possibilities are endless.
Shop second hand
If you need a new piece of clothing, shop second hand. Purchasing clothes second-hand helps reduce the number of clothes produced that pollute the environment. This allows clothing to be recycled and reused throughout a timespan.
The best thrift shops in Lebanon, TN get new items daily to choose from. They carry your favorite brands at affordable prices. It also gives you a chance to discover new styles and trends. If any item does not fit, there is always the chance to alter it.
Donate used clothing
As stated above, thrift stores supply you with the best selection of secondhand clothing. When it comes to downsizing your wardrobe, donate your clothes. Textile waste is a growing problem. Donating to your local thrift stores helps those clothes from ending up in landfills for many years.
In addition to helping save the environment, these stores support local nonprofit organizations. For example, at Thrift World, we are partnered with local nonprofits and charitable organizations. They help us collect clothing and in return, we give them money for those donations.
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE DONATING TO A THRIFT STORE
Before putting all your thrift donation items in the back of your car’s trunk, there are few things you need to know.
Whether you are decluttering for your move or spring cleaning your home, you should consider donating your unwanted items to a thrift store. They will take most of your clothing, home and furniture donations.
HOW YOUR ITEM DONATIONS HELP THE COMMUNITY
Thrift store in Lebanon, TN collect item donations in partnership with local charities and nonprofits. These organizations collect donations for us, and in return, we give them money. This money helps fund their many programs.
TIPS FOR MAKING DONATIONS TO A THRIFT STORE
Think about the condition of the items
Before you put an item into the donation box, think about its condition. One good rule of thumb when sorting donations is to consider if someone would want it. Would you give that item to someone you know?
If you said no, then it is probably a good idea to just recycle it. Some items that you should avoid donating to thrift stores are items that have stains, rips, tears, mold or missing pieces. Also, do not donate items that have been recalled or marked as unsafe.
Check to see what items thrift stores accept
Now that you have sorted out your best items, it is time to check to see which items your thrift store accepts.
Not all thrift stores are the same. Some thrift stores only accept clothing, home decor, furniture, appliances or toys. To help your sorting process, here is a list of items that Thrift World currently accepts:
All kinds of clothing
Shoes and accessories
Bedding
Home decor
Small appliances
Kitchenware
Sporting goods
Books, CDs, VHS tapes and records
Toys
Electronics
Small furniture that is in good condition
Baby clothing and accessories
Jewelry
Hardware tools
Non-reclining chairs
Small TV chairs
Tables/Chairs
Box and bag items
Next, it is time to pack your thrift donation items. To help make everyone’s life a little easier, thrift stores do ask you to pack items before donating them. The best way to pack items is in plastic bags or boxes.
By properly packing them, you help avoid items going missing, getting stained or breaking. If items are breakable, try to wrap them in newspaper or bubble wrap. You do not need to go out and buy these materials. Reuse those packing materials that came with all your online packages.
FIVE BUDGET-FRIENDLY WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR HOME FOR SPRING
Spring has sprung! The warm weather is inspiring people to spring clean their homes and redecorate for the change of the season. Transitioning your home’s decor for spring can be hefty on your wallet.
The good news is that there are low-cost ways to update your home for the spring. Refresh your home for the spring with these tips.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR HOME FOR SPRING
Add natural light
Kick the winter blues to the curb with some natural light. Letting in more natural light into a room can boost your mood and make it look bigger. How do you add more light into a room without having to add a window?
Let more light in by updating your window treatments and adding mirrors. Swap those dark and thick curtains for lighter ones. Then, add a mirror or two into a room to help reflect more natural light into the dark spaces.
Splash some color
From the flowers outdoors to colorful baskets at the store, you tend to see lots of color in the spring. This does not mean you need to repaint your entire house. You can splash some color through home decor.
You can incorporate your favorite spring colors in throw pillows, colorful glassware and even change your artwork. Save some money by buying these items secondhand at one of the best thrift store in Destin, FL.
Upcycle old furniture
Do you have old furniture that is taking up space in your garage or shed? Instead of tossing it to the dumpster, upcycle it. Upcycling is transforming an unused item into something reusable.
Give that old piece of furniture a new purpose by getting creative. You can flip unused dressers into desks or kitchen carts. If you do not have old furniture to flip, visit a thrift store for vintage and low-cost furniture.
Include greenery
Outdoors, the grass is getting green, and the flowers are blooming. You can bring those spring elements into your home with some house plants. Certain plants can even refresh your home’s air.
If you are looking to save some money on plants, thrift your pots. Thrift stores carry a wide variety of items that can be repurposed as pots. For example, tea cups and baskets can be reused as pots for your plants.
Create an outdoor space
As the weather starts to get warmer, you might want to spend more time outdoors. Do not let your outdoor space go unused. Expand your living space by adding outdoor seating.
Patio furniture can be expensive, but thrift stores carry a wide variety of secondhand patio furniture. One trick to making different pieces of outdoor furniture look more cohesive is by repainting them.
Thrift stores have grown to become a popular way to shop. It has even expanded online. There are now businesses that sell secondhand items online. Thrift World is one of those businesses.
Whether it is at a thrift shops in Destin, FL or an online thrift shop, thrifting helps consumers save money, reuse clothes and save the environment. If you have not joined the thrifting community, here are four facts that might change your mind.
THRIFT STORES BEGAN TO GROW IN POPULARITY IN THE LATE 19TH CENTURY.
Back in the day, there was a stigma buying and selling used clothing. This stigma began to be tossed out when Christian ministries started to use thrift stores as a way to fund their programs.
However, it was not until the 1920s that thrift stores started to look like the ones we have today. The demand for secondhand increased during the Great Depression. During this time, many people could not afford to buy new items. These hard times caused them to seek more secondhand items.
GEN Z AND MILLENNIALS DO THE MOST THRIFTING.
If there is one thing that Gen Z and Millennials love more than their phones is thrifting. Both of these generations are driving the growth of secondhand clothing. ThredUp reports that Millenials and Gen Z are adopting shopping for secondhand clothing 2.5 times faster than other generations.
The demand for secondhand clothing has only increased throughout the years. From 2017 to 2019, secondhand sales increased by 37 percent in Millennials and 46 percent in Gen Z. These two generations are more likely to buy secondhand because they want to shop more sustainably and ethically.
THRIFT STORES HELP REDUCE TEXTILE WASTE.
Textile waste is a growing problem around the world. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports found that 17 million tons of textile waste end up in landfills. This is a problem because textile takes up to 200 or more years to decompose in landfills.
One way that textile waste is being reduced is through the help of thrift stores. These kinds of stores collect clothing and resell it. Items that cannot be sold get recycled. This process helps reduce the amount of textile waste that ends up in landfills.
THRIFTING HELPS SAVE WATER AND REDUCE CARBON EMISSIONS.
Water is important for all living things, but it is limited. The fashion industry is the second industry that consumes the most water. Reports state that it consumes an average of 79 billion cubic meters of water per year. Not to mention, the fashion industry produces about 10 percent of carbon emissions.
Water consumption and carbon emissions can be reduced through thrifting. Shopping at a thrift stores reduces the demand for new clothing. Thrift stores give people the opportunity to recycle and reuse clothes.
Three Reasons Why Thrifting is the Best Way to Shop
What if you could find the nicest brands for shockingly low prices in a way that not only benefits you, but your entire community? Well guess what, you can. Thrifting is the best way to shop as it is sustainable, cheap and gives back to your community.
One way thrifting is the best, is through its sustainability. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the average American throws away 81 pounds of clothing per year, this means that around 26 billion pounds of clothing ends up in landfills.
One can dramatically reduce this number through the recycling and reusing of clothing, also known as thrifting. By purchasing clothing at second-hand shops, people are able to significantly reduce their carbon footprint, helping both themselves and the environment.
When someone recycles their clothing, they are limiting the amount of natural resources it takes to create new fabric, make the clothing and then ship it hundreds of miles to the sellers.
They not only gain a stylish clothing option, but keep the item out of landfill circulation. Even when the clothing piece is no longer your style, the item can be donated to another eco-friendly shopper. As well as being kind to the environment, thrifting is also kind to our wallets.
Most thrift shops in Santa Rosa Beach, FL offer extremely low prices, especially in comparison to name brand or newer pieces of clothing. Thrifting is a great way to find one’s favorite brands for a fraction of the price, while still getting a great quality product.
According to Carolyn Schneider, author of The Ultimate Consignment & Thrift Store Guide, thrift stores usually markdown products by about 50%-80% percent, and sometimes even sell bundles, giving certain clothing items away for free.
Not only will one have a stylish new outfit, but will have a newfound confidence in their bargain hunting skills. Along with being kind to one’s wallet, most thrift stores are good for the community as well.
Most thrift shops not only filter in donations but give them out as well. According to goodwill.com, Goodwill donates nearly $1 million dollars a year of free merchandise to people in need and other independent organizations.
In 2018, Goodwill was given an A-plus rating in community service, which is the highest in the country for nonprofit organizations. Thrifting also gives money to local shops which filters the money right back into one’s community.
Thrifting also helps one know their clothes a bit better, most of them being locally sourced, rather than being shipped from halfway across the country.
All in all, thrifting is one of the best ways to shop. It allows you to find the perfect pieces of clothing in a cheap, eco-friendly and generous way.
The months where you can make it out the door in a t-shirt and jeans is almost over. The winter months are around the corner bringing colder weather and snow.
Keeping yourself and family warm this winter is a critical step for their health. Being outdoors without proper winter gear can result in frostbite, hypothermia and heart problems.
It is important to buy proper winter clothing to avoid getting ill. The problem is that buying a whole new wardrobe for winter can be expensive. That is why one of the thrift stores wants to share a few tips on how to create a budget-friendly winter wardrobe.
LAYER UP
A smart way to stay warm this winter is by layering up. Wearing layers daily can help you stay warm when commuting to work, school or shopping. You can wear three kinds of layers to stay cozy – the base, middle and outer layers.
For the bottom layer, wear long sleeve shirts that can be worn with another layer. The middle layer can consist of sweaters, vests and blazers that help you retain the heat in your body. While on the outer layer, you want to wear a winter coat, scarves and hats that keep the rain and wind off of you.
CHOOSE A VERSATILE SHOE
Cold weather does not occur all year long. Why should you have to buy multiple pairs of shoes for the winter? Save some cash and splurge on one pair of high quality winter boots. Buy a pair of shoes that works for both the snowy and rainy weather. Look for classic pairs of boots that you can wear through the years. Thrift stores offer a great selection of high quality boots at affordable prices.
BUY A TIMELESS WINTER COAT
Coats are an expensive part of any winter wardrobe. Many people can spend between $100 to $200 on winter coats at retail stores. To save money, it is important to find a winter coat that will look good no matter the trend. You do not want to splurge on a coat that you will only wear one season. Instead find a classic looking coat that you can wear every single year.
CHOOSE A WARM WINTER HAT
If you are one of those people whose ears get cold easily, you need a hat. Hats can protect your ears from the chilly weather and harsh winds. Instead of choosing a cotton hat, opt for ones made out of fleece, wool, shearling and faux fur to stay warm. These kinds of hats will last you longer and can be found at Independence thrift stores for lower prices.
THRIFT INSTEAD OF PAYING FULL PRICE
A smart way to avoid the expensive winter gear prices is by thrifting. Thrift stores in Santa Rosa Beach, FL have a full stock of winter gear for the whole family at a fraction of the cost at retail stores. You find about everything you need for the oldest and youngest in the house.
WHY THRIFTING MATTERS: 5 REASONS TO BUY SECONDHAND
I’ve been around thrifting all my life. Growing up, my mom never passed up a sweet deal from the secondhand store. She taught me to thrift shamelessly, and be proud of what I’ve been able to snag.
Now that I’m older, I’ve become very diligent in making sure that the majority of clothing and household items are obtained secondhand. Whether it’s from a thrift store in Panama City Beach, FL, online marketplace, family member, yard sale, or picked up off the side of the road, it’s safe to say that the vast majority of stuff is pre-loved.
But one of the most important things I’ve learned about thrifting is that it’s so much more than just saving money. There are several reasons why buying secondhand is the way to go, from the impact it has on the environment to the impact it has on your local community.
WHY THRIFTING MATTERS: 5 REASONS TO BUY SECONDHAND
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
1. LESS CLOTHING IN LANDFILLS
The U.S. alone throws out roughly 10 million tons of clothing each year, which can sit in landfills for up to 200 years. Donating used items drastically reduces waste, while buying secondhand helps to reduce demand.
2. LESS WATER CONSUMPTION
It takes approximately 2,700 gallons of water to produce a single cotton shirt, which is enough for one person to drink in 2 1/2 years. Cotton production places stress on surrounding ecosystems and requires the use of harmful pesticides.
PERSONAL IMPACT
3. CREATIVE EXPRESSION
Thrifting gives the opportunity to find some pretty fun and funky stuff. And because it’s less of a price commitment, there’s more wiggle room to pick and choose what trends and looks you want to try out.
4. ALL THE NOSTALGIA
If modern fashion isn’t really your thing, or you’re just looking to take a trip down Memory Lane, buying secondhand allows you to explore products from various different decades
5. THE HUNT FOR “BURIED TREASURE”
When thrifting, you never know what you’re gonna come across. There could be something super valuable tucked deep within a shelf or jammed between clothing racks just waiting to be discovered.
Steve Clark 