Sure, it’s a lot of fun to go out and buy something new, that’s never been used before, and bring it home to make it your own. But sometimes you can find something just as good–if not better–at a secondhand or thrift shop…for a lot cheaper. I’ve been trying to replace all the plastic stuff in my kitchen with glass. Glass is expensive, so I’ve only been replacing a bit at a time. So, I decided to check out my local Goodwill store. Boy, am I glad I did!
My Goodwill bounty…
The largest jar in the background is almost 2 feet tall. If I had bought it new, it alone would probably have cost me at least $20. Instead, I got the whole lot for $14. One good washing later, and they’re as good as new and already doing duty on my cabinets. The jars make excellent storage for all my bulk goods–beans, rice, pasta. They also work well for transporting thing like soup and almond milk (for my coffee) to work for my breaks. These two little gems:
…are only about 2 inches tall, and have already joined my collection of other tiny jars that currently house my supply of vitamins. They look way better than a cluster of plastic bottles, too. The muffin pan will probably not only make muffins, but will also do double duty when I make deodorizing disks, when I want them larger than ice-cube-size.
Buying secondhand is green in more ways than one. Not only can you cut down on waste, but you can save some green as well.
January 29, 2013 at 9:04 pm
I love the idea for vitamins etc. I already reuse my spaghetti sauce jars for bulk goods, but now you have given me a great idea for some of the smaller jars that usually end up in the Blue Box! Thanks! Promoting the use of glass and the reuse stores together is brilliant.
Nicole Meek, Halton Region Waste Management Services, Ontario, Canada
@haltonrecycles, http://www.haltonrecycles.ca
January 29, 2013 at 9:39 pm
Thanks! I found some really good stuff at the thrift store. Way greener (and cheaper) than buying it new.