Tag: thrift

1. Ask about the store’s sourcing 

The first step to finding a beautiful and safe vintage clothing item is vetting the retailer or business providing secondhand pieces. Most vintage boutiques or independent vendors have a thorough vetting process of their own, though it never hurts to politely inquire about it when perusing a selection of pre-loved beauties.

2. Inspect the garment carefully for damage and stains 

When searching for new-to-you wares at thrift stores in Destin, FL first look for any obvious blemishes like large stains, holes, or overly-stretched fabric. While these are not sure signs of an irrevocably damaged garment, they can help lead you in the right direction. Next, employ your sense of smell.

You don’t have to get too up close and personal to understand if a clothing item is emitting an unpleasant odor, and it will immediately tell you if that piece has been properly washed—or has a more permanent smell.

Ultimately, the vetting process is up to you and your best judgment. These items are likely to be imperfect, though that isn’t always a sign of poor care on the previous owner’s part, it’s just indicative of a garment which has been put to good use.

3. How to remove stains on secondhand clothing 

If you’ve brought home a piece which needs a little work, have no fear because the internet truly does have all the answers. From ink to sweat stains there is a myriad of ways to treat your vintage wares without having to introduce chemical cleaners into the mix.

Baking soda, like vinegar, is a household product which can work wonders on stains in and outside of your wardrobe. Hydrogen peroxide is a low-impact liquid which can wipe away blemishes. Even lemons can be used to naturally rid your clothing of unsightly spots!

Just be sure to do a quick internet search for your specific stain removal needs before running your clothing under hot water or blotting—in some cases, like oil or protein-based stains, it makes things worse. If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop stain remover, brands like Buncha Farms sell natural stain removal sticks.

4. How to machine wash pieces carefully 

So, you’ve found a gorgeous item worth caring for and you’re ready to bring it home! No matter where you buy your vintage or secondhand items from, it’s always smart to clean them before your first wearing. If the piece has a visible care label follow those instructions carefully, making sure not to ruin your new find.

To ensure absolute obliteration of harmful germs, you’ll want to add some vinegar to your washing process, along with detergent.

5. Hand wash if care instructions are missing 

In some cases, the care label will be nowhere to be found (as they weren’t introduced until the early 1970s) or illegible (washing can fade the writing over time). When you encounter a vintage item which has no instructions on how to correctly clean it, a safer plan B is to hand wash with natural detergents and stain removers. 

Castile soap is usually my preferred hand washing assistant, especially since only a small amount of the liquid is required to do a thorough job, and the substance can be used in various other ways. Just like with the machine washing option, you’ll want to add a little germ-killing vinegar to your water as well.

6. Finding a green dry cleaner for intricate pieces 

In some cases, you might purchase an intricate piece (think sequins, lace, or detailed embroidery) which feels too delicate to handle on your own. This is where dry cleaning can be plan C. It’s important to note here that traditional dry cleaning utilizes tons of harmful chemicals which can be unhealthy for you and the environment. Sidestep the hazard of going to “regular” dry cleaners and instead find a green one.

A simple search online will usually lead you to a reliable business in your city or town, although some areas around the country may require a bit more investigation. Make sure to check their website for information on what kind of products they do or don’t use, if they recycle their hangers, and what kinds of items they accept. These businesses are also fantastic resources if you just have questions about certain fabrics, cleaning processes, or safe stain removal.

We’ve been hearing “reduce, reuse, recycle” since the 1970s. Admittedly, even though familiar concepts like using reusable shopping bags and going paperless are still effective, the same ideas are getting kind of old. 

Luckily, you can find plenty of awesome new ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle that complement the tried-and-true methods while also getting your creative – and sustainable – juices flowing.

Here is your go-to guide for bringing reduce, reuse, recycle into the 21st century.

Get Crafty

Most kids enjoy making fun crafts out of old milk cartons or cereal boxes on Earth Day. But crafts don’t just have to be for kids. And you don’t have to wait until April 22nd to do them.

In fact, there’s no reason we can’t all embrace our creative sides every day while we reduce, reuse, and recycle!

Repurpose Old Denim

Whether it be a jacket, a dress, or a pair of jorts – yes, jean shorts – a lot of people wear denim. As a result, denim is a big contributor to the textile waste that makes up 8% of landfills. Donate your denim stuff to thrift shops in Panama City Beach, FL if you feel that you no longer want to use it.

Fortunately, the durable material is perfect for repurposing into rugs, aprons, pillow covers, and more!

Eye-catching denim decor will save you money, cut down on waste, and maybe even act as a conversation starter for house guests.

Give New Life to Used Coffee Grounds

Most people wash their coffee grounds down the drain or toss them into the garbage can. They can still be useful, though, after you’ve brewed yourself a hot cup of wake-up juice.

If you’re into DIY projects, turn your coffee grounds into caffeinated soaps or coffee-scented candles!

If you prefer something a bit more practical, you can also use coffee grounds to keep bugs off of your plants and to eliminate odors – like garlic or onion – from your hands.

Whichever you choose, coffee grounds are a fantastic way to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Reuse Empty Pill Bottles

You probably have at least one empty orange pill bottle lying around the house that you’re tempted to recycle.

Although they are recyclable, their small size makes them difficult for recycling centers to process, according to Consumer Reports. An even better alternative is to use them for something new.

Empty pill bottles have proven to be very versatile. As it turns out, they’re the perfect size for traveling! You can fill them with cotton swabs, hairpins, or even shampoo and lotion – provided they seal tightly.

Additionally, you can use your pill bottles to organize screws or other small parts, or even to make yourself a small DIY survival kit.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle in the Garden

A garden – whether at a community plot or in your backyard – is a great addition to any lifestyle that can provide fresh fruits, veggies, and herbs, give you a new hobby, and even improve heart health and hand strength.

Unfortunately, gardening still creates some waste (from water usage to mulch to discarded prunings), but here are a few ways you can reduce, reuse, and recycle in your garden.

Start Composting

Composting is one of the best ways to reduce food waste while simultaneously returning nutrients to the Earth.

In general, try to avoid putting meat and fish products in compost, as they can attract unwanted pests. On the other hand, banana peels, eggshells, tea leaves, and more are all excellent nutrient-boosting additions to your compost pile.

Furthermore, you can collect (cooled) wood ashes from the fireplace and add them to your compost. According to the University of Vermont’s Department of Plant and Soil Science, ashes add valuable nutrients to the soil while keeping it from getting too acidic.

Be a “Grasscycler”

A green lawn can serve as the foundation for many fun activities – like a pickup soccer game or a nice afternoon picnic. Unfortunately, with increasing water and fertilizer costs, maintaining your lawn can also be expensive.

Don’t worry, though. There are plenty of ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle that benefit your lawn.

Grasscycling is exactly what it sounds like: grass + recycling. To “grasscycle,” all you have to do is leave your grass clippings on the lawn when you’ve finished trimming it, so they can nourish your yard’s soil instead of ending up in a landfill.

In addition to grasscycling, leaving grass a little longer, especially in the hot summer months, can help save water. Longer grass means more shade on the soil, which prevents water from evaporating before it’s absorbed. As a bonus, it can even help curb weed growth.

How Will You Reduce, Reuse, Recycle?

From denim aprons to caffeinated soap, and from composting to grasscycling, you can find plenty of contemporary ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Although they won’t replace already established methods – like cutting back on single-use plastics – these ideas will help you reduce waste at home and in your community. They may even put a smile on your face while you do them.