Ever since I was a kid, I’ve enjoyed bargain hunting. I’d pass my time browsing garage sales and discovering new secondhand stores.
I’ve always been a lover of old stuff and used stuff. I love that old saying we all know “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure”. How true that is.
Although, it’s not just about the treasure. Finding the new in the old is a way of living. It’s a philosophy.
Part of this philosophy is the belief that old things, imperfect things, used things are worthy of existence. They are worth new ownership and use.
Nowadays we live in a disposable society, where things don’t even get a chance to get “old” because they break and don’t get fixed. They just get thrown away. They get quickly replaced with something “better” and more new.
For the last 8 years or so, I’ve reconsidered what used to be my automatic thinking that when I buy it should always be new. I don’t automatically think that way anymore. There are so many beautiful things that others have thrown out to upgrade their belongings. Those things still have much more life to give!
I’ve come up with 7 reasons that you could feel really good about when you buy used and/or vintage stuff.
#1 You feel purposeful when you buy used or vintage goods.
It can give you a sense that you’re doing something positive for the planet. You’re conscious of the impact of buying something new. You ask yourself, must I buy this new? Can I find this used but just as good? Is it okay if it’s older? Will I feel better about this whole purchase if I could get it used? Being conscious gives you a sense of purpose on the planet because you’re acting for the planet.
#2 When you buy used or vintage goods, you are helping to lessen the impact that making new stuff puts on the planet.
In a nut-shell, since the stuff you’re buying isn’t requiring any new energy to make, it’s not impacting the environment. You’re not expending any new resources.
#3 Used goods don’t generate pollution.
Since the production of new stuff isn’t happening, there aren’t any pollutants being pushed out into the environment. For example, no carbon emissions or toxic chemicals. You’re standing up for that.
#4 Buying used goods is good for small businesses and good causes.
If you’re buying used or vintage you’re doing business with a small company, maybe even a solo entrepreneur. You’re exchanging goods at a very personal level and closed circle kind of way. This makes for a meaningful business exchange. Sadly, this way of doing business is taken for granted these days.
#5 Buying used or vintage goods is usually less expensive.
If you buy from a reputable seller, vendor or small business your stuff will be special and of a good high quality. You’ll get more bang for your buck if you get long time use for the used good you buy.
#6 Used or vintage goods are beautiful!
Used goods are beautiful because they can be timeless or can capture time in a special way. You can express yourself uniquely when you collect, wear, decorate with or appreciate used or vintage stuff.
#7 Buying used or vintage goods is an act of renewal.
What one person deems as no good or not useful anymore is to you just what you’ve been looking for. Maybe you’re going to re-gift it or re-purpose it. What was once old is renewed.
#8 Buying used or vintage goods can simplify your life.
You’ve simplified your life down to what truly matters to you. It’s about simple delights. It doesn’t need to be extravagant. Instead it’s special, meaningful and purposeful. You’re saying it’s the little things that bring joy into your life. For me, it’s all about the little things in life.
