Thrifting: A Fun Way to Help the Environment (and Yourself)

by Arlyn Molina

Introduction:

Online shopping has taken the world by storm. The ease of clicking a button and receiving it at your doorstep a few days later is a bit addicting, wouldn’t you say? If we take a moment to reflect, we will notice that while it’s all fun and games, it really is not eco-friendly. We will soon begin to feel the effects of our endless consumption of goods, and this is scary. A good way to steer us in the right direction is by thrifting. 

The Joy of Thrift Shopping:

Picture this: you have a nice coffee at hand, the kids are being babysat, and you have no rush to get back. You’re walking through aisles of treasures, not knowing what will catch your eye. Isn’t this exhilarating? Sometimes you find a treasure and sometimes you don’t, but you enjoy yourself nonetheless. Consider the greater impact you have on your environment as you relax in this moment.

Environmental Benefits:

For one, you are reducing waste. What could potentially end up in landfills is now being reused or repurposed!  You can take it a step further and redesign whatever piece you find at the thrift store or garage sale. Either way, you’ve already created a small impact in your community.

Next, you’re lowering your carbon footprint. What exactly does this mean? It’s basically the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the environment. This is a big deal because these gases can greatly affect climate change. Crazy to think we can impact our world like this, right? Less vehicles on the street for delivering new furniture, decor, ___ you name it___ means less carbon dioxide released into the air. Super easy math.

Do you also know what this means? This means less need for factories consuming water, energy, and land to produce products for us which results in a lower carbon footprint as well. Thrifting helps us preserve these precious resourcing by up-cycling what has already been made. 

Cultivating Sustainable Habits:

Thrifting also enables us to work on our consumption. Instead of quick gratification, we can work on a more sustainable and conscious approach. Do I really need this? Do I have space for it? It is a great way to model for our little ones that we don’t need things right away. Sometimes waiting for the perfect piece takes time and patience. This can in turn affect how our next generation purchases products. 

If you can have fun while creating a small, positive ripple effect on our community, would you? If you have been been thrifting before, you’ve already taken a small step in the right direction toward becoming eco-friendly. Take a day off and go thrift shopping today! Tell your spouse you have my permission, and you are serving the greater good!

(Below are some photos of pieces I have found while thrifting. I hope they inspire you!)

I found this side table locally. I refinished it, and it is now a piece in my living room many people compliment.

Books are excellent items to thrift! The majority of my books have been thrifted locally. Can you tell I love books?

The desk, chair to the left and amber vase are all thrifted pieces. Repurposing can help complete a space on a dime!

The Murphy bed pictured here was thrifted and originally a horrible red stain. I painted it a calming color, added wallpaper to the inside, and we have what looks like a whole new bed (and happy guests)! 

*All photographs credit: Arlyn Molina

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