By Deborah Williams
Although the US has just a little more than 4% of the world’s population, we consume approximately 25% of the world’s resources. While doing so, we throw out an average of 4.9 pounds of trash per person every day.
Creating new products requires a significant amount of energy and raw materials and generates a lot of greenhouse gasses. Throwing products away also generates many additional problems including land, water and air pollution.
There are two very straightforward personal strategies we can all use to help address the adverse impacts of overconsumption. As the EPA states: “Reduction and reuse are the most effective ways you can save natural resources, protect the environment and save money.” Specifically, before buying anything new or throwing away anything of value, here are many positive options for consideration.
Reducing. Prior to making a purchase, it’s important to honestly ask ourselves: Do we really need it? For example, for an infrequently used item, could it be borrowed, rented or shared? Or can an existing item we already own be repaired? For repair tips, check out the website iFixit, whose slogan is: “Never take broken for an answer.” There are also local people who can repair most items.
Buying Pre-Owned. Whenever possible, buy it re-used. Online and in-person shopping for used items are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reasons. Buying second-hand, we really can get great deals, while minimizing our carbon and other pollution footprint. There are many ways to do it.
For on-line purchases of gently used items, consider these options: “8 of the Best Places to Buy Used Goods Online” and The Modest Wallet’s 24 Sites recommendations. There are also lots of options to buy pre-owned items in person, for example, “The Best Thrift Shops in Santa Barbara,” as well as “17 thrift shops…in Ventura.” Furthermore, check-out Craigslist, Nextdoor, OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace and garage sales for excellent reuse deals. Patagonia has pre-owned items at discounts (link is on its website). You will find that the savings are amazing. It is a lot of fun, and you often meet very interesting people.
Avoid throwing items away. Before throwing away anything of value, choose to reuse it, sell it, or donate it. First, as noted previously, consider repairing the item and re-using it yourself. If it is not repairable, consider selling it online or in person. You know the saying; one person’s trash is another person’s treasure – and it really is satisfying to help others discover and acquire treasures.
For great on-line site options and sales tips, check out the 11 best websites to sell stuff online and The PennyHoarder’s 14 websites and Apps.
To sell in person, use garage sales, Craigslist, Nextdoor, and/or OfferUp. It’s fun and profitable. Or donate the items(s) (Goodwill, Alpha Resource Center, and more). Through sales and donations of your items, you can make money and/or do good.
Fundamentally, there are so many great reasons to buy pre-owned items: As Resilience points out: “Used products are less expensive, don’t require new resources, don’t generate pollution, don’t require energy to create, and don’t have packaging. Buying used supports good causes and the local economy.”
What’s more, you can get higher quality products, often with character, for a lower price, eliminate the fear of the first scratch, and enjoy the fact that the items come assembled.
Going even one step further, there are also increased opportunities for community gifting. Check out “Buy Nothing,” which “offers people a way to give and receive, share, lend and express gratitude through a worldwide gift economy.” and Freecycle Network, which is more place-based.
In short, there’s never been a better time with more compelling environmental reasons to reduce and reuse.