Last week for Corporate Responsibility Monday’s we talked about purchasing generic brand items over name brand when you were unsure of the ethics of the companies and their human rights history. I’ll encourage you to continue in that capacity but I want to take even another step away from Corporations and emphasize the value of buying second hand.

I know some people have an apprehension to buying used items, whether it’s clothes, kitchen items or toys, but I’ll just say right here, get over it. There are a few isolated unique situations were for sanitary health concerns or otherwise you need to buy new, but the vast majority of items can easily be used second hand. Here are three reasons why I think buying second hand whenever possible is the way to go.

1. It’s More Environmentally Friendly– No matter how ‘green’ your household items become, there is still production, packaging, shipping and more that is done to get them to you. The items you buy second hand have already gone through that stage and are ready to be loved a second time, packaging not included. Since most of the items that are in thrift stores got there by being picked up or dropped off as donations, the same amount or less of travel and energy that would have taken the items to a landfill, I’d argue that thrift store items have nearly a zero environmental impact (relative to new items).
2. It’s Cheaper. My goal is never to spend more money. If the product is good, fair trade, and environmentally sound, I’m willing to pay a higher premium, but I don’t go out and throw my cash around just because. Buying second hand will keep tons of money in your pocket, which you can then pass out to the valuable causes you wish to support. I would argue that shopping second hand rather then Target will save you 80% easily of what you would have paid if you bought things new (how do you like that ambiguous number?).
3. You Support Local Business. Isn’t it brilliant that we can create businesses and entire industries out of reusing products? Goodwill has some great billboards up around Nashville lately that say, “When you give it to Goodwill, you give me a job.” They speak to the very practical impact thrift stores have. Supporting Goodwill and Salvation Army, among other local businesses, is a way to create a sustainable world beyond a charity check or donation.

Get over yourself and start shopping at the Thrift Store. Find some bargain duds and empty your closet of the things you don’t need at the donation center while you there. Take the money you saved by not buying new and take a person without a home out to eat. Give Target your business when your looking for toothpaste and TP, thank them for their services and tell them you’ll be back in a month or two, maybe.