Tag: shops

Many people believe that it’s difficult or expensive to maintain an environmentally-friendly lifestyle. However, living sustainably might be easier than you think. There are small, simple actions you can take every day to reduce your impact on the environment and benefit the planet for years to come. If you’re looking for ways to start living more sustainably, try some of these steps:

Reduce household energy use

A great place to start living more sustainably is to conserve energy in your home. For example, turn off appliances or lights when you’re using them. Install energy-efficient light bulbs. Wash your clothes in cold water instead of hot water. Instead of turning on air conditioning, open a window. Even making slight changes can have a significant impact on reducing the amount of energy you use in your household!

Plant your own garden

Another easy way to live sustainably is by eating locally. Shop at local farmer’s markets, or consider planting your own backyard garden with fresh vegetables, fruits, beans, and herbs. Gardening is a relaxing activity that the whole family can enjoy, plus you might save a little money by growing your own food.

Carpool or take your bike to work

Do you have a coworker who lives near you? Consider sharing rides to work! You’ll both save money on gas and reduce the number of vehicles on the road, which contributes to less air pollution—and less traffic! If carpooling isn’t an option, try riding your bike or taking public transportation instead of driving your car whenever possible.

Dispose of disposable products

Single-use items like paper towels, plastic utensils and straws, and water bottles may be convenient, but they are also harmful to the environment. Try swapping out disposable products for reusable ones when you can. For example, use a reusable water bottle or a thermos instead of plastic bottles or disposable coffee cups. Carry a metal straw or bamboo utensils in your bag. Opt for cloth towels or napkins instead of paper ones. These simple swaps are often relatively inexpensive and easy to implement.

Give a new life to gently-used items

When cleaning and decluttering your home, ditch the dumpster and donate any unwanted clothing and household items to a thrift shop in Panama City Beach, FL. Instead of sitting in a landfill where they may take months to fully breakdown, items donated are processed and resold in the stores, where they’ll be given a new life and a new purpose.

Buying secondhand goods from there benefits the planet, too. By choosing to purchase something used instead of a brand new product, shoppers extend that item’s life cycle and reduce excess waste, making a significant difference in the environment.

Savvy shoppers know that thrift shopping (i.e., thrifting) is the best way to stock up on stylish clothing for a fraction of retail store prices. Whether you’re a self-professed bargain hunter or a fashionista on a budget, thrifting is the way to go!

But thrift shopping isn’t just good for your wallet; it’s also good for the planet! When you buy gently-used clothing items instead of brand new ones, you give them a new life and purpose. This helps to prevent unnecessary waste and protect the environment.

With so many great reasons to buy secondhand, there’s no better time than the present to visit your nearest thrift shop in Panama City Beach, FL and start thrifting! If you’re new to the thrift store experience, here are some tips you should know:

Plan ahead and check for savings

Of course, you can always go on a spontaneous shopping trip, but to get the most from your experience, it’s a good idea to plan ahead!

Be patient

Part of the fun of thrifting is that you’ll never know what to expect. When thrifting, take your time and look carefully. You might think that the best strategy is to go directly to your size, but sizing can vary significantly since thrift stores carry so many different brands. Remember, patience is a virtue; give yourself plenty of time to search and explore.

Keep an open mind

The best way to thrift shop is to be open to new styles and trends. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and try a style you’ve never worn before. For example, browse the men’s section for oversized sweaters and flannel shirts, vintage t-shirts, hoodies, bombers, and jean jackets. It might not be intuitive, but you can find hidden gems if you’re open to browsing all the sections!

Don’t forget about accessories

Aside from clothing, thrift stores also feature a vast array of accessories to complete any outfit. Be sure to shop around for jewelry, watches, handbags and totes, scarves, hats, and much more!

Thrifting is much like a scavenger hunt, so don’t be disheartened if you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for the first time around. Keep coming back and searching, because you never know what might find! With time, you’ll curate a wardrobe that is truly one-of-a-kind and full of well-loved pieces.

Best of all, thrifting is retail therapy you can feel great about because your purchases will help someone in your community go to work!

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out in the working world, navigating the complexities of office attire can be a challenge. As trends change and work environments evolve, it can become tricky to determine what counts as “business casual.” How can you build a versatile work wardrobe without breaking the bank?

Head to a local thrift shop in Destin, FL and look out for the following items:

Dress pants

In most workplaces, you can’t get away with wearing a comfortable pair of yoga pants to the office. The next best thing is a pair of well-fitted dress pants. Black is classic and will go with just about everything, but you can find dress pants in all different colors and patterns when you shop. No matter what color or style you choose, look for dress pants that offer some stretch for optimal comfort.

Button-downs and blouses

Want to look polished and professional in the office? For a more casual look, choose a flowy blouse. With or without sleeves, blouses are great for layering under cardigans and blazers and can transition from day-to-night with ease.

Blazers

A chic, fitted blazer is an instant confidence-booster. You can pair blazers with just about anything, from dress pants to skirts to jeans, and still look put-together. Oversized blazers are on-trend this fall and winter, so don’t be afraid to size up and go for a more “boxy” look rather than a slender fit.

Pencil skirts

If you’re tired of dress pants, try adding a few pencil skirts to the mix! Pencil skirts are slim-fitting knee-length skirts that add structure and sophistication to any outfit. Pencil skirts pair well with button-downs, blouses, sweaters, and even fitted t-shirts. With a sleek, tailored pencil skirt, the outfit possibilities are endless!

Heels and flats

It’s an age-old debate: To wear heels or flats? For people with high arches, heels can be more comfortable than flat shoes. For others, heels are highly uncomfortable, and flats are a must. The good news is, either option is appropriate in today’s modern workplace, so you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style.

Did you know? The fashion industry is the second-largest polluter in the world, after the oil industry. Not only does producing clothing require tons of energy, water, and other resources, but it also results in tons of harmful waste. It’s estimated that textiles make up 5% of all landfill space in the United States. That means the average American throws away more than 80 pounds of clothing every year!

Want to learn more about the impact of fashion on the environment? Here are some facts that may surprise you:

Fact #1: Our landfills are full of textile waste

According to the most recent EPA statistics, Americans created more than 16 million tons of textile waste in 2017. Of this total, 11 million tons ended up in landfills instead of being recycled or reused. While food trash takes only a few hours or days to decompose, clothing can sit in landfills for years. Synthetic fabrics like polyester, lycra, and nylon can take 30 to 40 years to break down fully. That’s a great reason to donate used clothing and purchase gently-owned items instead of buying brand-new from a traditional retailer!

Fact #2: It can take more than 700 gallons of water to make a single t-shirt

It takes a lot of water to grow, manufacture, transport, and wash cotton, which is one of the most popular fabrics used in today’s clothing. It’s estimated that producing one pound of cotton takes 1,320 gallons of water. That equals over 700 gallons for just one t-shirt! Extending the lifecycle of clothing, especially cotton clothing, can reduce your total water footprint and help protect the environment.

Fact #3: The average lifetime of a clothing item is about 3 years

Fast fashion is a term used to describe new styles of clothing that are manufactured quickly and sold at very low prices. While fast fashion makes clothing affordable for consumers, it comes at a big cost to the environment. Trendy and cheaply-made clothing has a short lifespan in people’s closets, often leading to more clothes ending up in landfills.

Fact #4: Clothing and textiles are almost 100% recyclable

Clothing and other textiles can be recycled and used for a variety of other purposes, from carpet to home insulation to “new” fabric made from the clothing’s fibers. It doesn’t matter if the clothing has rips or tears — it can almost always be converted into something else. Because textiles do not degrade easily, they should not be disposed of in the garbage. Donate your used clothing to Goodwill instead!

Fact #5: It’s easy to shop more sustainably

The harmful cycle of clothing waste can be broken. We can all work to reduce textile waste and lower the impact the fashion industry has on our planet by shopping sustainably and recycling clothing responsibly.

One of the best ways to buy more sustainably is by choosing to shop at thrift stores in Panama City Beach, FL over traditional retailers.

If you have clothes you don’t want or need anymore, give them a new life and donate to there! Your donations are sold in the stores for affordable prices, and anything that cannot be resold is recycled responsibly.

Looking for a new activity to shake up your weekend? How about a thrift store challenge?

Savvy shoppers know that thrift shops in Destin, FL are the place to find clothing, accessories, and home goods at affordable prices. They also know part of the fun of thrifting is finding interesting and unusual items you can’t get anywhere else. Making thrifting a “challenge” by making up rules and setting a budget or time limit only adds to the fun!

Whether you’re a pro or new to thrifting, try one of these fun challenges on your next thrift shopping trip:

Dress a Friend

Thrifting is even better when it’s with a friend! Grab your bestie and plan an afternoon at a thrift store. The challenge is to split up in the store and pick out a creative outfit for the other person — it could be serious or silly!

Thrifty Date Night

For a totally unique date night, challenge your significant other to choose your outfit from a local thrift store. Set a budget ($20 per person usually more than enough) and a time limit (20 minutes) to choose what you’ll wear on your date. Maybe it’s a matching couple outfit, a vintage-inspired look, or something stylish but outside of your comfort zones. Have fun with it, and don’t be afraid to try something different. You may find a new style you would never have tried otherwise!

Thrift Store Scavenger Hunt

This last challenge is great for families. Start by making a list of some specific items you can usually find at thrift stores. Here are a few examples:

• Tie-dyed clothing
• “Throwback” CDs or movies
• An item that makes you laugh
• Artwork you’d hang in your home
• A book you’d like to read
• Animal figurines
• Board games or puzzles for family game night

Once you’re at the store, look for the items on your list. The person who has the most photos after 20 minutes wins!

Making your clothes last as long as possible is an important part of living a sustainable lifestyle! It’s also a great way to save time and money. If you’re looking for ways to keep your favorite clothes looking good as new, we have some tips!

Here are five ways to extend the life cycle of your clothes:

Wash with care

Clothing can be damaged when it’s not washed properly. Always try to follow the instructions on the labels of your garments. When in doubt, wash your clothes in cold water with a mild detergent. Bleach should only be used in special circumstances! If you have delicate fabrics, like lace or wool, you may be better off washing them by hand to prevent damage from the washing machine.

Ditch the dryer

We’ve all been there: your favorite sweater somehow ends up in the dryer, where it ends up three sizes smaller than it should be! To avoid heat damage from the dryer, always hang up delicate or shrinkable fabrics or lay them flat to dry. Your clothes will last a lot longer, and you’ll save on energy bills by cutting back on dryer cycles.

Use quality hangers

Make sure you’re using the right hangers for your clothes. Wood hangers are best for heavy jackets, like suit coats. Use padded hangers with rounded corners for dresses and sweaters. Plastic hangers will work for other types of clothing, like t-shirts! Try to leave room between your clothing items in the closet, so they maintain their shape and don’t get wrinkly.

Store clothing properly

When it’s time to store seasonal clothing, be sure you’re cleaning your clothes before you pack them away. Use a plastic or cardboard storage container to keep your clothes out of direct sunlight and away from moisture and insects. Another smart storage option is an empty suitcase! Fold your clothes carefully, using acid-free tissue paper to protect delicate items. You can also place a few dryer sheets in the container to keep your clothes smelling fresh.

Donate your clothes

Another great way to extend the life cycle of your clothing is to donate gently-used items to a thrift store in Destin, FL. You may not need those items anymore, but someone else is sure to appreciate them!

Your donations will be resold in the retail stores, where they’ll generate funds that support life-changing job skills training and employment services for individuals with disabilities and veterans.

Anyone who loves to thrift shop will tell you that the thrift stores in Panama City Beach, FL are the best ones to find unique clothing, accessories, and home goods at affordable prices. But did you know that you can also find rare and even highly valuable items when thrift shopping? It’s true!

The key is to shop frequently and know what to look for. If you see these items while thrift shopping , don’t pass them up!

First Edition Books

When they’re brand new, hardcover books are usually priced higher than paperback books. If you find used hardcover books in good condition at a thrift store, it can be a great deal! Keep your eyes peeled for autographed copies of books from popular authors, which make wonderful gifts for book lovers.

As you browse through classic books at a thrift store, check the edition number on the first few pages. If you see the words “first edition” or “first printing,” you could be holding a rare and valuable book! With a little online research, you can find out the value of the book.

Vintage and Retro Kitchenware

Goodwill always has a great selection of dishes, glassware, and other kitchen supplies. Be on the lookout for these rare and potentially valuable items in the glassware section:

Porcelain teacup with white and pink flowers

• Jadeite — Mint green dishes, cups, and serving trays were popular after World War II and now carry a lot of value.
• Pyrex — These colorful, patterned mixing bowls, storage containers, and oven-safe dishes were all the rage in the 1950s through the 1980s. Look for collectible patterns and styles while thrifting!
• China sets — Teacups, saucers, and other china pieces are highly collectible, especially if you come across a vintage pattern. Even if you don’t find a complete set, it’s fun to mix-and-match china pieces to create your own collection.
• Vintage canning jars — The blue-tinted versions are sought after by collectors, but even the plain clear glass jars are always a functional way to decorate your home!
• Retro cookie jars — Cookie jars representing cartoons and other whimsical characters are fun and nostalgic collectibles. Not to mention, they’re a great place to store sweet treats!

Luggage and Trunks

A gently-used luggage set can be used for your own travel, but you can also get creative and repurpose luggage into stylish home décor! Look for vintage-style suitcases and trunks that you can cover with a new coat of paint or decoupage with fabric. Stack your collection of suitcases in a corner, use them as shelves, or turn them into easy storage for family photos, holiday decorations, craft supplies, and more.

Designer-Label Clothes

Designer clothes aren’t necessarily rare at thrift stores — you can usually find many well-known and popular brands at your local Goodwill store! But if you’re searching for vintage pieces, pay close attention to the labels.

If you don’t recognize a brand name on the label, it could very well be vintage! Many times, vintage fashion will have a “union tag,” which has the acronym “ILGWU.” Clothing produced before the 1980s may also have labels with an American flag or “Made in U.S.A.” Because vintage sizing is very different from today’s sizes, it’s important to keep an open mind and try to search through every section!

Old-School Electronics

Retro stereos, walkmans, DVD and VHS players, video game consoles, cameras, and other old-school electronic accessories are always fun to find at thrift stores. Many people like to collect these gadgets to remind them of years past, whether the devices are in working condition or not. Turntables and vinyl records are also making a huge comeback, and you can often find great deals at a thrift store!

As we get ready to welcome 2021, now is a perfect moment to think about what changes you want to make in the year ahead—especially when it comes to living sustainably. After all, there’s no time like the present to reduce, reuse, recycle, and protect our planet!

Reuse, Upcycle, Sustain.

Thankfully, living an eco-friendly lifestyle doesn’t have to take a ton of time, effort, or money. Here are some small changes you can make in 2021 to live more sustainably:

Use less plastic. Make simple swaps, like choosing reusable straws, utensils, bags, and water bottles over plastic. You can even find reusable “paper” towels, sealable food storage bags, and makeup removing wipes!

Be energy smart. Reduce energy use by turning off lights and the TV when you leave a room, washing your clothes on the “cold” setting, and taking shorter showers. These simple actions will help you save on electricity bills while you do your part for the planet!

Repurpose whenever possible. A lot of product packaging can be repurposed around your home to reduce waste! For example, you can wash and reuse empty glass or plastic containers to store leftovers, coffee grounds, or even potted plants. Used paper bags make great gift wrapping or scratch paper for crafts. You can also use cardboard boxes to keep books, paperwork, photos, and mementos organized!

Donate your unwanted goods. Get a fresh start in the new year by cleaning your home and donating anything you don’t need or want

Go thrift shopping. One big benefit of cleaning out your closets is that you’ll make room for the clothes you really love. When you need to replenish your wardrobe, the eco-friendly move is to go thrift shopping! Not only is thrift shopping more affordable than traditional retailers, but it’s also much more sustainable. Shopping secondhand at a thrift store in Panama City Beach, FL extends the life cycle of gently-used clothing, and that keeps our planet beautiful!