We consume huge quantities of stuff. A big percentage of that is new. Spankin’, sparklin’ new with tags (NWT). Someone makes it. We want it. We buy it. Are we happy? For a short time. But then they roll out the bright, shiny, new version. And we want that now. So once again. Someone makes it…etc…etc.. The cycle starts all over. More resources are used and the environment is taxed. We shell out more money for something we just bought and still works. We really want the new one though. It’s shiny and who can resist new and shiny. Right?

It is time to RETHINK how we consume ‘stuff’. Yes, it is capitalized and, yes, that means I want your attention. I am not saying that everything that you purchase has to be ‘used’ but you can take some steps to reduce the percentage of NWT purchases you make. And there are things that should be bought new. Underwear without tags…. eeewww.

Your old white toaster works fine. Why do you need that new shiny chrome one? Just so it matches your refrigerator? If you just have to have the chrome one, find one used. Yard sales, thrift stores or maybe a friend or a family member has an extra one. Ask. Someone may have one. It could happen. Do small things. Find clothes at the thrift stores. They are a fraction of the cost and, at some thrift stores, your purchases go towards organizations in your community. Win. Win.

Don’t let the word ‘used’ deter you. Rethink how you define the word. It doesn’t have to mean dirty, ragged or broken. It just means it has had a life between you and when it was in a retail store. Antiques are technically ‘used’. But they don’t have a negative connotation. When you tell people your new coat is vintage (also used), they don’t scrunch up their noses in disgust. They think it’s fab and want to know where you got it. Look at used as a positive thing.

Still not quite convinced? Here are a few more things to consider. Used is cheaper. It is a fraction of the cost of new. Used may also mean it is made better. I really do not like new staplers. They are plastic and they don’t work well. The vintage metal staplers work like a dream and they are indestructible. Plus they look cool on your desk.

Start to think how your purchases effect the world around you. Buying used saves resources, the environment, money, and can make you all warm and fuzzy. Whew. Enough for now. I’m getting off my little box. Gnaw on this a while. Make the choice to make a difference.

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