How to do good and save money while you decorate
Giving your home a facelift while conserving resources and the general environment is possible. This is how thrifting can assist you.
Thrifting is an increasingly popular activity as consumers become more aware of the need to conserve resources and protect the environment by reusing, recycling and repurposing whatever they can.
It is also definitely no longer restricted to the hunt for designer treasures among racks of discarded garments, says Berry Everitt, CEO of the Chas Everitt International property group.
Thrifting dynamics
“Young homeowners, in particular, are among the most avid thrifters, spending much of their free time trawling for bargains and beautiful décor pieces in charity and second-hand shops, consignment stores and flea markets. They have cottoned on to the fact that this is not only much more affordable than trying to equip a home with new items but often also enables them to buy higher quality furniture, electronics and other goods than they had originally planned”, says Berry.
Writing in the Property Signposts newsletter, he notes that thrift stores and markets also tend to offer a diverse range of items from different eras and décor styles. “This means that along with everyday cutlery, crockery and glassware, shoppers can often discover unique and one-of-a-kind pieces that they are unlikely to encounter in traditional retail stores.”
Benefits of thrifting for homeowners
Quality and durability: Second-hand items that were well-made by hand and not mass-produced will often last longer than their newer counterparts.
Vintage appeal: Thrift stores are excellent places to find vintage and sometimes even antique items that can add a unique and nostalgic touch to your style and home decor.
Creative expression: Thrifting encourages creativity as you mix and match different items to create your own style. You can also repurpose items for DIY projects, giving them new life and purpose.
Personal connection: Thrifting can lead to interesting stories and connections. Each thrifted item usually also has its own history or backstory that adds to its charm.
Support for non-profits: Many thrift stores are operated by non-profit organisations, and the proceeds from their sales often support charitable causes. Shopping at these stores can help contribute to various community programmes and initiatives.
Less packaging: Second-hand items typically come with minimal or no packaging compared to new products. This goes a long way to reducing the amount of plastic and cardboard waste.
Ethical consumption: Thrifting aligns with the concept of ethical consumption by choosing to reuse and recycle goods wherever possible instead of contributing to the demand for new products that have possibly been produced under unethical labour or environmental conditions.
From the above, it is clear to see that thrifting is an effective shopping avenue for home needs.
Writer: Meg Wilson
