The world has officially taken another trip around the sun, which means new beginnings for most of us. Huge new year sales are also bound to appear on the horizon, but buyers beware: buying new doesn’t always mean buying better. After the disastrous typhoons in the latter part of last year, it’s even more important to consider buying second hand stuff for the sake of our environment.
Here are a few things you might want to consider buying second hand:
Tableware and home decor
If you haven’t joined the “mine” train on bidding for tableware and home decor on Instagram, it’s time to start. Aside from being more reasonably priced (well, more often than not), buying second-hand tableware allows you to find unique pieces that are no longer on shelves in big stores. The Freeform Vintage is an online shop that specializes in unique vintage pieces. It’s currently having a sale, so now might be the best time to go shopping.
Furniture
Furniture is another thing that you don’t necessarily have to buy brand new. Items like sofas, tables and chairs can easily be sanitized and redone to make it fit your home’s aesthetic. Slow Home is an Instagram shop that sells furniture and home accessories. Its aesthetic is very cozy and clean, which is great for people who want to warm up the look of their home.
Junk Not Handicrafts takes it a step further by actually turning plastic waste into furniture and home decor.
Clothing
While tempting, we should do our best to avoid sales from fast fashion brands. Instead of forking over hard-earned cash to huge companies that employ inhumane labor practices and inflict terrible environmental damage, let’s support local businesses with better practices instead. These local Instagram shops sell upcycled garments or unique vintage items that would look great in your closet, and even better on you.
Jewelry
If something shining, shimmering, splendid is what your heart desires, buying brand new may not cut it for you. There’s beauty (and a lot of options) in buying vintage jewelry, especially if you have an eye for more bespoke pieces. Unlike most modern jewelry, buying vintage also shows you that the trinket you bought has withstood the test of time. And you never know, the cute little bauble you bought might actually end up being a diamond in the rough.
Here are a few online shops you might want to take a look at: