Let’s get thrifting!
My daughter just finished her freshman year of college in California and the dormitory move-out was chaotic. As she had a late move date, she volunteered at a service the university ran to collect usable furnishing and clothes from those moving out to rehome them for those who are recovering from the LA fires. Despite this service, she said the amount of usable things tossed in the dumpster left her shocked. She could have furnished 100 dorm rooms. I am hoping there were ample garbage pickers in the area to score some great treasure!
Today’s newsletter is about just that – de-stigmatizing garbage picking or curb shopping and taking full advantage of thrift stores, garage sales and online marketplaces like freecycle. And just think, every secondhand item you use is one less item that has to be manufactured, packaged, shipped, and stored.
Let’s get hunting!
LEARN
Getting Thrifty!
The thrill of the hunt for previously-loved items can take many forms.
Curb-side Shopping
Some of our most beloved items have been sourced from the curb. And it seems that spring time is the best time for curb shopping! You spot something and then think, should I pull over? And then hope that no one you know sees you! But why the shame? Reusing or upcycling something means keeping it out of the landfill AND potentially stopping a purchase of something new.. I’ve even grabbed things to put in Go Green's SportSwap while I silently judge the house’s occupants (you mean you haven’t heard about SportSwap?) I recently started following a fun account called “the Rich Goodwill” on Instagram about a mom who regularly goes out to some posh neighborhoods near her (I am guessing Naperville) to score some amazing finds at the curb. She them re-homes what she can’t use to her followers. Curb shopping is an easy task as you are already driving around our pretty posh town. Just keep your eyes peeled!
Garage, Yard Sales or Specialty Sales
The sure sign of spring – yard sale signs! The hunt is ON during the weekends. Local churches often have thrift sales, as does the Glen Ellyn Park District. If you are looking for used books, consider the Friends of the Library frequent book sales, or a big one coming up – the AAUW book sale, June 19-21 at Park View Elementary School.
Thrift Stores
Who doesn’t love scoring a vintage concert t shirt or a designer jacket for a fraction of the price. So before you buy anything new, consider thrifting first! Even Martha Stewart has put out a thrifting guideline. And thrifted or vintage finds can create unique looks rather than spending big bucks for the ‘it’ item everyone is wearing. Gen Z has really gotten behind the notion of circular fashion or a circular closet – a more sustainable way of thinking about what you wear– and thrifting/sharing/renting clothing is a big component!
What are your favorite local thrift stores? We love downtown GE’s Treasure House, Gather and Collect’s curated finds, Lombard’s Purple Manatee and Wheaton’s Stars. Furniture specific? Have you tried Acosta’s in Wheaton? Need a black tie dress? Check out The Ladies Room/Thom Kat in Lombard for consignment clothes and dresses. My daughter loves Plato’s Closet in Glendale Heights. Look beyond the standard Goodwill and you will find some real treasures!
Online Marketplaces
While the thrill of the hunt is more visceral in person, there is a whole wide world of online marketplaces, some that are very nice (gym shoe resale, anyone?) Some that we have used include
Facebook Marketplace- a great way to keep it local
Depop, a wide-ranging circular fashion marketplace
Poshmark for higher end items,
eBay, the OG marketplace
Giveaway Sites
The best way to keep things out of the landfill is to match your stuff with people who want it! Enter sites like freecycle and the ‘Buy Nothing Movement. You can post for things you are looking for, or to get rid of things you have. The local ‘buy nothing’ group on Facebook.
We can flip the script as to what we consider ‘waste.’ We can also view each thrifted find as our own act of rebellion against a throw-away culture. Who knew ‘shopping’ could make one feel so eco-altruistic?
School's out for summer!
Have extra school supplies? Save for next year (don't buy the kit -- shop your closet first) or donate to SCARCE. Also check Staples to donate items like dried out markers, nearly-empty glue sticks, backpacks and lunch bags.
DO
We were SO excited to roll out the first-ever recycling program for the Downtown GE's Friday Summer Concert Series. The aluminum cups are infinitely recyclable and keep your beverages icy cold. You can even re-use them as they hold up much better than plastic. Go Green is providing cups to all downtown businesses serving alcohol for these events. In addition to the cups, Go Green GE created recycling stations for aluminum cups and cans at the event, and contracted with a metal recycler to process the aluminum at no cost to the village.
This program is available due to a grant awarded to Go Green Glen Ellyn from the Glen Ellyn Fund, an initiative of the DuPage Foundation. Come join us to dance, order dinner from a downtown restaurant and enjoy a cold beverage in a recyclable and reusable aluminum party cup!