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No Buy, Low Buy, Eco-Friendly Shoppers Recommendations
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items Especially geared toward low buy and earth friendly shoppers who want to give something back through their purchases, I hope there's at least one great find on this list for each of you!
Sections
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No Buy? No Problem.
All the libraries!
In person experiences: Thrifting, Consignment, and Local Secondhand Stores
Special Events and Locations
Secondhand Shops that Go a Little Farther!
Secondhand Online Shopping
No Buy? No Problem.
OK, not really. You are WAY braver and more dedicated than I am! And these may be “old news" to you, but just in case, I thought I'd share. :)
After contemplating our own shopping habits and examining why we want to “do better” from now on, this site is a perfect next step!
Local Buy Nothing groups exist in a variety of areas, and this site may help you in researching if there's one near you as well as finding out what this concept is all about!
I have both offered items and received items in my local Buy Nothing group as well as in my community Freecycle group (the next entry), and I have to say I'm a BIG fan. I will talk more about how it works in the Freecycle entry of this list.
Buy Nothing and Freecycle groups can be a great stop prior to taking things to donate, as some donation centers become so overloaded with items, they just can't stock them all. Depending on their practices, this could mean your well-meaning donation ...
Regardless of whether you participate in these groups as a “first stop” or decide to use them only for items your local donation centers or free stores don't accept, you can feel better and do better by the environment by making use of these opportun...
And of course, you can also try to “shop here first” if you are looking for a certain type of item. I have even seen people ask to borrow items from group members, which I think is a great idea.
I have some tips about these groups, so if you don't find what you're looking for in the Freecycle entry, please comment to let me know if you might be interested in a blog post on the topic. :D
Local Buy Nothing groups exist in a variety of areas, and this site may help you in researching if there's one near you as well as finding out what this concept is all about!
I have both offered items and received items in my local Buy Nothing group as well as in my community Freecycle group (the next entry), and I have to say I'm a BIG fan. I will talk more about how it works in the Freecycle entry of this list.
Buy Nothing and Freecycle groups can be a great stop prior to taking things to donate, as some donation centers become so overloaded with items, they just can't stock them all. Depending on their practices, this could mean your well-meaning donation ...
Regardless of whether you participate in these groups as a “first stop” or decide to use them only for items your local donation centers or free stores don't accept, you can feel better and do better by the environment by making use of these opportun...
And of course, you can also try to “shop here first” if you are looking for a certain type of item. I have even seen people ask to borrow items from group members, which I think is a great idea.
I have some tips about these groups, so if you don't find what you're looking for in the Freecycle entry, please comment to let me know if you might be interested in a blog post on the topic. :D
BuyNothing | Home
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NOTE: This entry is intended as a continuation of the “Buy Nothing” list item, so you may want to read there first if you are new to these groups and what they're “all about.”
The Freecycle site is another great spot to check to see if you might have a group near you and where you can learn more about them.
One of the reasons I've hesitated to fully give up Facebook is because I am a member of both my local Freecycle and Buy Nothing groups on this platform. With the warmer months coming, and with spring in full swing right now, these two groups are abou...
I plan to offer some items myself coming soon, so I will certainly be visiting during that time.
Each group works a little differently and there can be some seemingly “weird” or picky groups, so read the group rules carefully and refer to them often prior to posting. I recommend joining and then maybe lurking for awhile before making your first ...
Here's the basic concept of how it works, though:
1. Someone posts something they are offering for free. Usually there will be a photo or two at least and a brief description of what it is, size (if it's relevant), and condition.
2. Someone interested posts below and indicates their desire for the item/s (sometimes things are offered in sets, which I recommend for many products).
3. Sometimes the posts get A LOT of attention, so if you really want it, always be sure to give a sentence or two about why they should choose you and how you'd give it an awesome home. lol Sometimes people also just do a randomized roll of a die and...
4. The person offering the object messages the person who will receive it. They set up a meeting spot time/place. I have both met people in a neutral public place as well as picked up from people's homes. (Yes, I am safe. Just like I said in the BuyN...
The Freecycle site is another great spot to check to see if you might have a group near you and where you can learn more about them.
One of the reasons I've hesitated to fully give up Facebook is because I am a member of both my local Freecycle and Buy Nothing groups on this platform. With the warmer months coming, and with spring in full swing right now, these two groups are abou...
I plan to offer some items myself coming soon, so I will certainly be visiting during that time.
Each group works a little differently and there can be some seemingly “weird” or picky groups, so read the group rules carefully and refer to them often prior to posting. I recommend joining and then maybe lurking for awhile before making your first ...
Here's the basic concept of how it works, though:
1. Someone posts something they are offering for free. Usually there will be a photo or two at least and a brief description of what it is, size (if it's relevant), and condition.
2. Someone interested posts below and indicates their desire for the item/s (sometimes things are offered in sets, which I recommend for many products).
3. Sometimes the posts get A LOT of attention, so if you really want it, always be sure to give a sentence or two about why they should choose you and how you'd give it an awesome home. lol Sometimes people also just do a randomized roll of a die and...
4. The person offering the object messages the person who will receive it. They set up a meeting spot time/place. I have both met people in a neutral public place as well as picked up from people's homes. (Yes, I am safe. Just like I said in the BuyN...
Freecycle
My college roommate holds one of these every year, and it is a total blast!
What started as a swap between about five friends in a book club, has turned in to an event so large, my friend has to hold it at a local park. I'm sure the hostess is there much earlier than attendees, but we are encouraged to bring our books a bit...
The basic way the swap works is that at the appointed start time, everyone goes to the perimeter until the "start" word is official, at which point we (mostly safely) scurry to stand by our top choice! Once everyone has grabbed his or her favorite, ...
What started as a swap between about five friends in a book club, has turned in to an event so large, my friend has to hold it at a local park. I'm sure the hostess is there much earlier than attendees, but we are encouraged to bring our books a bit...
The basic way the swap works is that at the appointed start time, everyone goes to the perimeter until the "start" word is official, at which point we (mostly safely) scurry to stand by our top choice! Once everyone has grabbed his or her favorite, ...
How to Host a Book Swap Party
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All the libraries!
They aren't just for books anymore.
Speaking of tool libraries, don't forget about the “regular” library, too!
I am lucky to live in the suburb of a big city, so I have an enormous wealth of books available for free. While the most popular reads of the moment might have a wait list, there is no shortage of other options available.
Many larger systems also have offerings beyond physical books, including music, movies, puzzles, and a large digital catalog of books available on your eReader.
Libraries offer more than catalogs, of course, so don't forget to check out yours to see what other resources may available to you.
Also of note, our library system runs a huge sale every year with both new and used books available for purchase. Perhaps yours does too!
I am lucky to live in the suburb of a big city, so I have an enormous wealth of books available for free. While the most popular reads of the moment might have a wait list, there is no shortage of other options available.
Many larger systems also have offerings beyond physical books, including music, movies, puzzles, and a large digital catalog of books available on your eReader.
Libraries offer more than catalogs, of course, so don't forget to check out yours to see what other resources may available to you.
Also of note, our library system runs a huge sale every year with both new and used books available for purchase. Perhaps yours does too!
Columbus Metropolitan Library
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Borrow! Something I learned about recently in my county is a local tool library.
Taking a quick look at their site, our tool library has over 4,800 tools available and charges just $50 a year. They also have special arrangements available for those unable to pay the annual fee as well as for charitable organizations!
Heck. Yes.
Not only does this save people money, but it saves storage, too! Obviously the fewer people buying individual items, the less waste is involved in manufacturing, shipping, and eventually recycling/discarding equipment unable to be repaired or repurposed.
If you don't have a resource like this in your area, don't forget about those Buy Nothing and Freecycle groups, and don't forget about friends and neighbors! I have found that more often than not, people LOVE to be able to help. And if you have somet...
Taking a quick look at their site, our tool library has over 4,800 tools available and charges just $50 a year. They also have special arrangements available for those unable to pay the annual fee as well as for charitable organizations!
Heck. Yes.
Not only does this save people money, but it saves storage, too! Obviously the fewer people buying individual items, the less waste is involved in manufacturing, shipping, and eventually recycling/discarding equipment unable to be repaired or repurposed.
If you don't have a resource like this in your area, don't forget about those Buy Nothing and Freecycle groups, and don't forget about friends and neighbors! I have found that more often than not, people LOVE to be able to help. And if you have somet...
Modcon Living and Mod Squad
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If you have a green thumb, or would like to, investigate if your community might have a resource like this one! Another reason I continue to drop in to Facebook is for my local plant library group.
If you've been a plant parent for awhile, you may be aware that at some point, many plants spread . . . some more assertively than others. Instead of thinning out and letting good plants perish, it's a lot more fun to share!
But what to do if friends or next door neighbors don't share your enthusiasm? Visit the plant library!
Created for local plant lovers to share plants (and *maybe* to browse and pick up a new one to take home), the plant library has been a great benefit to building our community.
On Facebook, we can let one another know when we plan to drop off (especially if we have a large load or a popular species where people might want to time their day to just happen to be in the area around that time!)
And it's not all drop off info. Members (it's free) share info about local plant sales and occasionally local events that might be of interest. Sometimes members even invite people to come dig up what they're getting rid of, and in exchange, they can...
But besides new connections, my favorite part is the wealth of knowledge in the group. Have a plant that's struggling? Ask about it in the group. Picked up an interesting plant at the library with no label that looked cool and now stumped on exactly ...
Unfortunately, the place we were using for several years was no longer an option last year, even though the new owners of the space weren't really doing anything with it. Today it still stands there, and I love that occasionally I still see someone h...
Though things slowed a bit last summer, there were still people who offered plants on their curb or porch, much like the Buy Nothing group does.
There's good news, though! A recent announcement said we may have a new space for this year, and we are all so excited! I had some Joe Pye Weed that I have had for *years* literally turn a corner around the side of my screened porch a year or two ago...
So I'm looking to dig up some of that this year and share the wealth! rofl
If you've been a plant parent for awhile, you may be aware that at some point, many plants spread . . . some more assertively than others. Instead of thinning out and letting good plants perish, it's a lot more fun to share!
But what to do if friends or next door neighbors don't share your enthusiasm? Visit the plant library!
Created for local plant lovers to share plants (and *maybe* to browse and pick up a new one to take home), the plant library has been a great benefit to building our community.
On Facebook, we can let one another know when we plan to drop off (especially if we have a large load or a popular species where people might want to time their day to just happen to be in the area around that time!)
And it's not all drop off info. Members (it's free) share info about local plant sales and occasionally local events that might be of interest. Sometimes members even invite people to come dig up what they're getting rid of, and in exchange, they can...
But besides new connections, my favorite part is the wealth of knowledge in the group. Have a plant that's struggling? Ask about it in the group. Picked up an interesting plant at the library with no label that looked cool and now stumped on exactly ...
Unfortunately, the place we were using for several years was no longer an option last year, even though the new owners of the space weren't really doing anything with it. Today it still stands there, and I love that occasionally I still see someone h...
Though things slowed a bit last summer, there were still people who offered plants on their curb or porch, much like the Buy Nothing group does.
There's good news, though! A recent announcement said we may have a new space for this year, and we are all so excited! I had some Joe Pye Weed that I have had for *years* literally turn a corner around the side of my screened porch a year or two ago...
So I'm looking to dig up some of that this year and share the wealth! rofl
The Gahanna Plant Library | Facebook
In person experiences: Thrifting, Consignment, and Local Secondhand Stores
Live in a city or able to make a weekend adventure to one not so far away? A traditional thrift shop, consignment store, or second-hand specialty shop might meet your needs.
WARNING: If you are unfamiliar with this song, please note there is a good bit of explicit language. If that doesn't bother you, I encourage you to watch it. lol. It's funny, catchy, and might even get you in the mood to go on a thrift shop hunt!
For now, I'm not going to recommend a particular thrift shop. I may research the “big ones” for another list soon, as I have heard varying stories and interpretations of some of their practices and how they price items and spend their money.
If you are most committed to finding an item second hand, which is typically the strongest choice for your wallet and certainly for the environment, you may just need to purchase where you can find it!
A few tips for thrifting, keeping in mind I'm no expert.
1. Plan ahead. Is there an Ugly Christmas sweater party every year at your new workplace? See if you can borrow one this year, and then once the holiday is over, hit that thrift shop! I bet you will find PLENTY. :D
2. Set aside a long time for your trip. I have been in stores with varying “organizational” systems. I'll just say some are better than others, but even the best are still a bit like a treasure hunt. Maybe pack a snack and a bottle of water!
3. If you live in a town with a large shop or a couple of shops, here are a few items you can pretty reliably shop second hand: clothing, picture frames (make them match with a coat of paint or leave them as is for an eclectic maximalist feel), quirk...
Your preferences and level of choosiness may factor in a bit here. Looking for a specific book? If it's frequently taught in the local school, you may get lucky. The latest popular paperback sweeping the nation? Probably not.
One note: I tend to be a little cautious regarding items on which I prepare and serve food or drink. While vintage dishes can be super cool and fun, I get a little worried about items of unknown origins or time periods. I know this doesn't bother eve...
4. If you like something, I wouldn't count on it being there when you come back next time. Thrifting is trending, and with an increasing focus on sustainability, great finds can be swept up quickly.
5. Learn the best days and times to shop. Are there certain days where particular item types are on sale? Is there a senior discount day? When do they usually restock newly processed items?
6. Be open-minded. This is a great time to practice “repurpose.” I love going in with a concept of what I'm looking for and then contemplating different items that might fit the bill. :)
For now, I'm not going to recommend a particular thrift shop. I may research the “big ones” for another list soon, as I have heard varying stories and interpretations of some of their practices and how they price items and spend their money.
If you are most committed to finding an item second hand, which is typically the strongest choice for your wallet and certainly for the environment, you may just need to purchase where you can find it!
A few tips for thrifting, keeping in mind I'm no expert.
1. Plan ahead. Is there an Ugly Christmas sweater party every year at your new workplace? See if you can borrow one this year, and then once the holiday is over, hit that thrift shop! I bet you will find PLENTY. :D
2. Set aside a long time for your trip. I have been in stores with varying “organizational” systems. I'll just say some are better than others, but even the best are still a bit like a treasure hunt. Maybe pack a snack and a bottle of water!
3. If you live in a town with a large shop or a couple of shops, here are a few items you can pretty reliably shop second hand: clothing, picture frames (make them match with a coat of paint or leave them as is for an eclectic maximalist feel), quirk...
Your preferences and level of choosiness may factor in a bit here. Looking for a specific book? If it's frequently taught in the local school, you may get lucky. The latest popular paperback sweeping the nation? Probably not.
One note: I tend to be a little cautious regarding items on which I prepare and serve food or drink. While vintage dishes can be super cool and fun, I get a little worried about items of unknown origins or time periods. I know this doesn't bother eve...
4. If you like something, I wouldn't count on it being there when you come back next time. Thrifting is trending, and with an increasing focus on sustainability, great finds can be swept up quickly.
5. Learn the best days and times to shop. Are there certain days where particular item types are on sale? Is there a senior discount day? When do they usually restock newly processed items?
6. Be open-minded. This is a great time to practice “repurpose.” I love going in with a concept of what I'm looking for and then contemplating different items that might fit the bill. :)
MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS - THRIFT SHOP FEAT. WANZ (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
Local bookstores often have a section for used books, which is a great way to give them a second life while also supporting a local business!
I will definitely write more about this extraordinary bookstore in my city on another list soon.
I will definitely write more about this extraordinary bookstore in my city on another list soon.
About/FAQ | The Book Loft of German Village
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If you're a music nerd, shopping second hand at any independent local music stores makes for a fun day out, as well as a great way to support small business and the environment as well.
A lot of times, too, music stores might have a section of books as well, and bookstores might do the same with music!
A lot of times, too, music stores might have a section of books as well, and bookstores might do the same with music!
Used Kids Records | Columbus
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Depending on your style and budget, you might consider checking out your local antique shops for a special accent piece or an item that will be one-of-a-kind amongst family and friends.
Special note: A relative owns this antique mall in a nearby county!
Special note: A relative owns this antique mall in a nearby county!
Delaware Antique Mall - Wix.com
Special Events and Locations
Depending on where you live, yard/garage/rummage sales may only be a seasonal option. And while flea markets may not be as popular as they were when I was younger, being informed about special events is always helpful.
In Ohio, yard sales and garage sales are fairly season-specific. This is one of those times where it pays to think ahead to the colder seasons, when opportunities like these are likely a lot more limited.
When possible, hit these sales on the first day as soon as they open and for the best variety. If you're looking for a deep bargain, though, shopping on the final day, in the final hour usually gets you a seller who is a lot more likely to strike a d...
When possible, hit these sales on the first day as soon as they open and for the best variety. If you're looking for a deep bargain, though, shopping on the final day, in the final hour usually gets you a seller who is a lot more likely to strike a d...
Gahanna Garage Sales & Yard Sales | GarageSaleFinder.com
When I was younger, I feel like the more traditional flea market was more prevalant. These days, a lot of communities seem to be more focused on maker markets, which are a great way to support local small businesses and talented artists, but – if the...
Our town does have some permanent, indoor flea markets that typically run on the weekends but are open year-round.
Our town does have some permanent, indoor flea markets that typically run on the weekends but are open year-round.
Westland Flea Market - Columbus
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Secondhand Shops that Go a Little Farther!
Two used bookstores and four clothing shops make the list for secondhand stores that are also dedicated to serving their community and world in a variety of ways.
BetterWorldBooks has donated over 38 million books and helped raise over $35 million dollars for library projects and literacy. As a B Corp dedicated to lowering their environmental impact as well, BWB does not throw away any books! When they cannot ...
Please note this is an affiliate link.
Please note this is an affiliate link.
Buy New & Used Books Online with Free Shipping | Better World Books
Though they may not have the specific distinction of B Corp certification, Thrift Books has a purpose statement that definitely caught my eye: "We believe reading empowers people, offering them empathy to live for a moment in someone else's shoes, ed...thriftbooks.com/about-thriftbooks/our-purpose
The purpose statement above is not an affiliate link, but please note the overall link on this card is an affiliate link.
The purpose statement above is not an affiliate link, but please note the overall link on this card is an affiliate link.
New & Used Books | Buy Cheap Books Online at ThriftBooks
Goodfair is another online secondhand shop seeking to empower buyers to be conscious consumers. While they are currently focused on clothing, their website reports they hope to expand to more goods in the future.
As I've been researching shops for this list as well as my DEI-committed businesses list, I have learned a lot about analyzing a website and investigating what sort of pages are present (or lacking) regarding their mission, their commitments, and abo...
Here is where you can find out more about Goodfair: https://goodfair.com/pages/about-us .
You will also discover they have pages about how they source, why thrifting is such a great choice, and some important facts about the fast fashion industry.
As I've been researching shops for this list as well as my DEI-committed businesses list, I have learned a lot about analyzing a website and investigating what sort of pages are present (or lacking) regarding their mission, their commitments, and abo...
Here is where you can find out more about Goodfair: https://goodfair.com/pages/about-us .
You will also discover they have pages about how they source, why thrifting is such a great choice, and some important facts about the fast fashion industry.
Goodfair
Not as inexpensive as the thrift shop or my local kids' secondhand store, but Merry Go Rounds has nice clothing and toy items and is a good option if there is nothing like this where you live. They are also B Corp Certified! :)
Merry Go Rounds - curated kids' consignment
If you are a fan of the outdoors and have heard about Patagonia but been a bit overwhelmed by the price, this offering by the company is a way to save a good bit of money and ensure their well-made clothing lives out its full potential. Like their pa...
Their page about the 1% program says, “Since 1985, Patagonia has pledged 1% of sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment.”
Their page about the 1% program says, “Since 1985, Patagonia has pledged 1% of sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment.”
Used Patagonia® Clothing & Gear | Worn Wear
B Corp. Definitely mostly luxury items here, so it will be fun window-shopping for me, but they are committed to more sustainable practices in the clothing industry, and I am ALL for that. : )
Please note this is an affiliate link.
Please note this is an affiliate link.
Second hand store - Vestiaire Collective
Secondhand Online Shopping
These online options allow you to purchase second hand if you do not live near any secondhand shops or reside in an area with limited choices. While in person options are of course better for the environment due to shipping, buying second hand is def...
I have heard of Poshmark for clothing, but I never realized until my research that they also have options for home, pets, tech and more now as well!
A resource for both selling your gently used items and purchasing new-to-you items, Poshmark boasts over 130 million users in the United States and Canada.
Poshmark shares that with over 350 million items sold, they are keeping things in circulation and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Please note this is an affiliate link.
A resource for both selling your gently used items and purchasing new-to-you items, Poshmark boasts over 130 million users in the United States and Canada.
Poshmark shares that with over 350 million items sold, they are keeping things in circulation and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Please note this is an affiliate link.
Poshmark: Buy and sell fashion, home decor, beauty & more
Like Poshmark, ThredUp allows you to both buy and sell secondhand clothing.
If you scroll down a bit on their front page, you will also find a highlighted section titled “Thrift More: Waste Less.”
This section features a link to their “About Us” page, but it is also a great reminder of our goal to save some money, and our planet!
If you scroll down a bit on their front page, you will also find a highlighted section titled “Thrift More: Waste Less.”
This section features a link to their “About Us” page, but it is also a great reminder of our goal to save some money, and our planet!
ThredUp | Thrift. Clean out. Do good.
This is a high-end online store I'm sharing for those obsessed with purses and bags. While they definitely would not meet my personal definition of low buy, they are secondhand sellers, and for those with the means to purchase luxury brands and a des...
Please note this is an affiliate link.
Please note this is an affiliate link.
Rebag: Buy & Sell Designer Bags, Watches, Jewelry & More