Go Green By Buying Second Hand

One of the easiest and least expensive ways to go green is to buy second hand. This not only keeps discarded, but usable, items out of landfills, it conserves the resources needed to make and transport new items. Second hand items are usually offered at deeply discounted from their original prices. Try purchasing at least some of the items you need and use second hand.

Thrift Stores: Offer a variety of clothing and household items at deeply discounted prices. It is unusual to find an item over $10. Most price points are $6 or less. I have found a variety of valuable, vintage, and antique items at thrift stores in the past. I also regularly find name brand clothing in current styles. In the Salt Lake City area, try these stores: Deseret Industries, Savers, Thrift Town, and Salvation Army.

For Teen Fashion: For the more discriminating teen tastes, try stores that specialize in current teen fashion. I have found that these stores accept items that have been in the mall within the last two years. The prefer items that are less then a year old. You are sure to find something to suit your teen at these locations: Pib's Exchange, Plato's Closet, and

Fashion Addiction. Also, these shops will buy items that your teen has outgrown or will no longer wear and exchange them for cash or store credit.

For Women's and Men's Name Brand and Designer Fashion: For higher price point items, try Name Droppers.

For Furniture and Home Decor: The Finer Consigner features gently used furniture and home decor in all styles. They offer some great buys.

Also, be sure to donate, consign, or sell your discarded useable items. Someone else out there will probably want them.