A New Way to Shop
Even during tight economic times, sometimes it is difficult to not fall for the next great deal at the mall. But keep in mind that every piece of new clothing purchased can put a strain on environmental resources, especially during the manufacturing process.
So, where is that new outfit suppose to come from? Try reusing and recycling unwanted clothing through swaps, online exchanges and rentals.
Yours for Mine?
Clothing swaps are one of the most prevalent options for recycling your old duds and scoring new ones. They can be as simple as gathering a group of friends and relatives in your living room.
In-home swaps involve:
- Bringing unwanted clothes
- Displaying them for all to see
- Trying them on
- Walking away with a brand-new wardrobe that didn’t cost a dime
Larger swaps follow the same premise but vary slightly from event to event. For instance, The Clothing Exchange in Australia hosts specific events for just designer apparel, accessories and clothes for curvier women. One event called “Mums and Bubs” allows moms to shop and swap not only for themselves but also for their kids.
Events such as these make it easier to narrow down what is accepted so you aren’t spending hours rummaging through items in which you wouldn’t be interested. Other swap events can be found on websites such as Swaporamarama.org. *Bonus: If you have trouble finding an event in your area, coordinate your own and post it on a swap site.
Online Hunting
As fun as it is to physically participate in swaps, sometimes you do not have time or they are too far away. That does not mean you have to miss out on inexpensive exchanges. Look on the Internet for sites such as the Freecycle Network™. Through the Freecycle Network™ people are linked with local groups and can view or post messages about free, unwanted items. When you see something you like, just respond to the member’s e-mail. If the owner selects you as the recipient, then the two of you work out a time to pick up the item. Also, check out other online exchanges at Dignswap.com.
Borrowing Chic
If you are in the market for designer handbags, sunglasses and jewelry, add Bagborroworsteal.com to your favorites toolbar. Bag Borrow or Steal allows you to rent authentic, designer pieces. You can rent by the week or month and receive additional savings for even longer rentals. When you are ready to send it back, print off a pre-paid return label and drop the box off at a UPS store near you. If you fall in love with your rental, don’t despair: you have the option to “steal” (purchase), if you absolutely have to own it permanently.
Happy Ending
The morals of the story are: trade, give and borrow. All are great options when shopping around for something new. They’re light on your pocketbook and benefit the environment at the same time. Happy hunting!
As of June 17th 2011 we have upgraded our comment system to use Facebook comments. The below comments are closed and are listed for historical purposes.
Pat Keith
posted on October 26th, 2008 at 7:17 am
I love the ideas you have shared. It is so important for all of us to take responsibility for our purchases. As manager of a charitable thrift store I want to add that thrift shopping is also a great alternative to mall shopping! Thrift stores, think “new- to- you” shops in churches past, have been around for years and years and continue to be among the real first green shops. Our sole mission is to support our hospice programs through the sale of donated goods. So folks, look around for your local thrift store for more recyling and fashion options. All for a mere fraction of the cost of new!
RoddyJones
posted on October 28th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
If we could all practice saving when the country isn’t in an economical turmoil. We learn to swap, shop thrifty and even look at the previous season designer items to get the “look” we desire. It does take time to look around, but there are GREAT DEALS out there!!!!
Reg Boczko
posted on November 16th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Is there anyone that can tell me how a person can get a whole town involved in going GREEN?
See I ownly been in this town for 2 weeks and know nobody… I see a lot pf oppurtunity for
a better envirroment…
let me know oay thanks…
Make a "Reuse" Resolution | Got2BeGreen
posted on January 7th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
[...] you will easily have yourself a fete, all without a new purchase. You can also check out the many swapping websites that easily and inexpensively allow members to swap books, CDs and DVDs [...]
Don't Always Buy New - A New Way to Shop | Got2BeGreen
posted on January 13th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
[...] Source Previous:« Go Green and Save Some Money Next: Filed under Green Fashion & Style, Green2Save, Greening Your Home, Recycling & Reuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repurposing & Reconsuming, Solar on January 13, 2009 – [...]
Martin Tobias
posted on January 25th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
One problem I have found is that there are TOO many of these sites offering free reuse or swapping. Why so many?
Annette
posted on June 28th, 2009 at 9:41 am
You can co-own items with friends and neighbors in your local community. In terms of mall-type goods, this has been done successfully for gowns, handbags, jewelry, etc. We do this all the time with all kinds of items and equipment. Often items are necessary but used only once a week or less. Why should everybody own the same things that they rarely use? We use a kind of checkout system that works very well.
Of course my friends and neighbors also pool our money and buy goods in huge bulk – directly from suppliers, farmers and distributors – and get large discounts. We save lots of money, and also reduce our clutter and waste this way. There’s also a reduction in transportation and packaging throughout the process. Highly recommended. I talk about it in my new blog.