Thrifting

  • Minimalism,  Thrifting,  Zero Waste

    Online Thrifting Tips (& 2019 Thrift Favorites!)

    As you know, I’m a huge fan of thrifting and purchasing items that are already out in the world and ready for a new home. However, there seems to be the misconception that thrifting means ugly, smelly sweaters or outdated jeans. And, sure, there’s definitely some of that but with a little searching (ESPECIALLY ONLINE), there are some amazing finds on sites like Poshmark, ThredUp, and eBay. If you’re new to the thrifting game and don’t have the time or energy to spend hours weeding through your local thrift shop, go the online route! Yes — the items will be more expensive than finding it at a local store but…

  • Favorites,  Minimalism,  Thrifting,  Zero Waste

    The Case For Thrifting Clothes

    When it comes to eco-friendliness and clothing, it’s frequently recommended that you buy fewer (and generally more expensive) but ethically made, high quality, and sustainable clothes. Fast fashion is a big no-no. And I’m all for it BUT sometimes it just isn’t practical for certain lifestyles (and budgets!). Enter thrifting. I work from home and have three (very hairy) dogs. 95% of what I wear is loungewear or athleisure. So my general day to day clothes get a lot of wear and tear from running around with dogs, gardening, and repeatedly wearing favorite sweatshirts and leggings. It wouldn’t matter how high quality the clothes are — nothing can stand up…

  • Donate,  Recycling,  Thrifting

    An Ode to Freecycling

    Goodwill and other thrift stores have seen an increase in donations recently — which seems great as households minimize their lives — but can ultimately be a problem as clothes and household items go unsold and may ultimately end up in the trash anyways. As much as possible, I try to donate items to places that only take specific items (i.e. shoes to Zappos, old towels to the animal shelter) — that way I know that the donated item is more likely to get used. But what about those completely random items that, yeah, could go to Goodwill but maybe, just maybe, has a better home out there? Enter Freecycle.…

  • Favorites,  Minimalism,  Thrifting,  Zero Waste

    The Joy of Using Things Up

    In January 2018, I decided that I was going to go at least 3 months without buying any new clothes (the exceptions: underwear, shoes, leggings, and anything needed for bridesmaid duties). I ended up going until October and found it shockingly easy. I fell in love with thrifting, Poshmark, and shopping my own closet. This January, I decided to re-start my “no new clothes” challenge. We’re in the middle of April and, so far, so good. The challenge got me thinking — what else could I stand to stop buying this year? Like clothes, other personal and household items can accumulate. Think… candles, skincare, makeup, even food items … generally…

  • Composting,  Recycling,  Thrifting,  Zero Waste

    Zero Waste + Eco-Friendly New Year’s Resolutions

    Last year was a great zero waste/low waste/eco-friendly year for me. I started this blog, reduced our household trash production by A LOT, and became a Recycling Ambassador with my city. But we (I) can always do better so here are some goals/resolutions/whatever you want to call it for the coming year. And, also, comment and tell me what your green goals are for this year!  Become a Master Composter. My classes/training starts later this month! Find a facial bar soap I like. Makeup and skincare products are my “luxury items”?– and while I try to buy in glass as much as possible, and recycle everything else with TerraCycle/Origins/L’Occitane… I…

  • Recycling,  Thrifting,  Zero Waste

    Eco-Friendly or Zero Waste School Supplies

    This Wednesday… July turns into August. And many of us start looking forward to the crispness of fall (my favorite season) and new beginnings. As a kid though, August meant one thing. Back-to-school school supply shopping. Walking around OfficeMax… buying the perfect matching notebooks and folders. Ah. Bliss. Fast forward 20 years and I still get somewhat nostalgic for those beautiful school supplies. I get a little giddy seeing all the new adorable stuff available at Target. BUT — man. The whole thing is super wasteful. The packaging surrounding the supplies and then the ultimate toss to the landfill. Or even just the mass of school supplies that end up…

  • Haul,  Thrifting

    Q1 Thrift Finds

    I don’t think zero waste/minimalism and loving fashion and beautiful homes have to be mutually exclusive. I think it just means being mindful of purchases. With that in mind… I only recently got into the whole thrifting thing. I know, I know. What was I doing? But I made a resolution this year to ONLY buy thrifted clothing items. Nothing new. Actually, initially — my idea was to not buy any new clothes until March. But once I started thrifting, I realized I could do it the rest of the year — no problem. My husband even got in on it too. I feel good about buying clothes that are…