This article is currently under review. All information contained in this article is the opinion of the author and should not be construed as legal or financial advice. If you are a licensed professional and would like to find out about opportunities to be a contributor, we would love to hear from you Contact us today HERE
Buying used not only saves money, it helps the environment, and supports the community and local economy instead of your money going to fund big-box stores. Going green also saves on waste such as the packaging for new products, and conserves energy for the making of new products. Second-hand shopping allows the consumer to reuse things, therefore preventing the overflow of landfills. Below is a list of items that you could benefit from by buying used and going green.
Tech Gadgets and Home Appliances
Is your laptop on its last days, but you can’t afford a brand new one? EBay is useful for finding used tech items such as laptops or iPads. Buying used appliances like refrigerators or stoves could be risky since it may no longer have a warranty, but if you need to replace a broken microwave or coffee maker, check the Craigslist ads first just in case someone might be selling a used one for half the price of what it sells for in stores. If you are going to a big-box retailer to look for a deal on gadgets or home entertainment, look for the open box items like TVs since they were probably the store model or a return, and are discounted significantly.
Exercise Equipment
Looking to burn off those Winter calories? You can usually get high-quality used exercise equipment because most people buy with good intentions to start a regimen and then don’t stick to it, letting their treadmills and dumbbells to collect dust. Or maybe they just need to make more room in their home, or are downsizing and decided to join a gym instead.
Hand Tools and Power Tools
Want to get started on a home project, but don’t want to spend hundreds on a new power saw you will only need for a few months? There are some pretty good power and hand tool finds at either local garage sales or even on Craigslist. Try looking for tools with good warranties such as Craftsman.
Clothing and Shoes
Need a fancy cocktail dress and heels for an upcoming event or wedding, but can’t afford to drop $200 on one? You can find some decent quality, trendy, and expensive brands that won’t break the bank on the Poshmark app, where you can also sell the clothes you don’t wear anymore and other items such as purses, shoes, and accessories. It’s also good for seasonal item purchases that you only need for a few months, like swim wear and summer attire. Of course, you could also go to the local consignment and thrift stores to find some deals on slightly used but good quality apparel, which also helps the charities they donate to.
Furniture
Did you just buy a new home or rent a new apartment, but don’t have lot of cash to furnish your new pad? You can find many deals on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. People who are moving out of state would rather sell their old stuff then to take it with them. And some people are even giving stuff away for free if you are willing to transport it from their home. You can find some high-quality pieces that can last for years such as wood dressers or dining tables if you look really hard.
Disadvantages to buying used
Ideally, if you’re buying a product that is used, you have to do your research to see if it is a good deal. There’s a chance when purchasing used that the warranty is no longer valid, and some second-hand products don’t work properly. Or if it’s resale clothes or shoes, maybe the quality isn’t as good. It can also be time-consuming to get the used items, like having to drive over an hour away to pick up furniture, or it takes too long to find exactly what you’re looking for. Limited quantity of items can be an issue as well, sometimes not finding a pair of lamps or end tables that match. That’s why it’s best to be realistic and objective when looking for deals when going green.