A CALL TO ACTION
Welcome to our EARTH SAVERS webpage. AADC is committed to supporting environmental awareness. Each month author Jody Brady gives us information and tips on how to be more friendly to the environment. Your comments and tips are welcome. Scroll down if you would like to comment. Comments are curated and may not appear immediately.
November, 2022
BUY USED – HELP THE EARTH
Many products lose value the minute you buy them, and many people get rid of items that are new or good condition. Buying used goods extends the life of the items and saves you money. It also keeps products out of landfills and discourages the production of brand-new goods by lowering consumer needs.
The secondhand market is projected to reach $77 billion by 2024. People have become more conscious of the environmental consequences of their purchasing habits.
Thrift shopping reduces energy consumption, air pollution, and mountains of landfill. Buying used products keeps our oceans cleaner. There are endless possibilities with shopping used. It’s a smart way to take care of Mother Earth.
Things You Should Not Buy New
Jewelry
New or used, jewelry shines just as brightly, and you may pay 20% to 40% less.
Kids’ Toys
Kids outgrow toys FAST! Buying gently used can save you $$$, and the kids are just as happy.
Musical Instruments
The better the quality, the higher the price. Get a higher quality used instrument at secondhand stores or at websites, like Music Go Round or Guitar Center.
Office Furniture
Businesses regularly get rid of office furniture. Buying second-hand can save you money, and you get quality furnishings
Cars
Cars depreciate as much as 20% when you drive them off the lot. Check the Kelley Blue Book website to assess the value of any used car.
Fitness Equipment
Many people buy fitness equipment and never use it. Check out secondhand stores and websites to find what you want at a fraction of the cost.
Computers and Laptops
Apple and Dell sell refurbished computers that are “like new.”
Kitchen Appliances
Look for used kitchen appliances, especially if it’s an appliance you might not use often. You can often find a higher quality item that you couldn’t afford new.
Recreational Vehicles
You can save as much as half the price of a regular RV, motorcycle, or boat by buying used. The owners may have hardly used it.
Clothes for Special Occasions
Special occasion clothes can cost a mint, never to be worn again! Buy your gown for that formal ball second-hand online or at a thrift store.
Houses
Look for a house where the previous owner has done upgrades and additions you’re might not be able to afford. It will save you the work and headache.
Books
The contents are just as good even if someone reads it before you do.
Movies and CDs
These can last forever – maybe longer than the machines that will play them.
Sports Gear
Again, these items may not have been used frequently. Why buy new?
Pets
We may not think of pets as “used.” Let’s call them “pre-loved.” There are thousands of pets that need homes. Why support animal breeders when you can save an animal’s life at the pound?
Home Furnishings/Antiques
The thrift store is a great place to find antiques at a fraction of their price in an actual “antique” store.
Previous Earth Saver Pages
August, 2022 – Ten Ways to Help Our Earth