Used Home Furnishings and Decor – How To Choose Green Used Home Goods

Buying used, from a thrift store, antique shop, or flea market is one great way to keep it green. You’re giving old products a new life, avoiding production of new products, and getting some cool unique finds to boot. That said, you do need to be smart about which used products you choose for your home. Buying the wrong used item isn’t green, it’s a waste of time and money.

Used products to avoid:

Avoid impulse buys: Like any purchase, you need to ask some fundamental green purchasing questions before you buy. Make sure you’re getting something you’ll actually use.

Avoid broken stuff: Some broken items are ok. If you’re sure you can fix it (really sure)  go ahead and buy. If something is going to take massive repairs to get it halfway presentable or working, don’t bother.

Avoid multiple projects: A project is not so broken you can’t fix it, say a shelf that needs refinished, but having too many projects on hand pretty much ensures that none of them will get done. One project at a time is smart.

Avoid non-green kitchen supplies and dishes: If it’s not energy efficient or a smart green tableware choice avoid it.

Avoid safety hazards: Old furnishings may have lead based paints – fine if you’ll refinish it, but not ok as is. Same for thrift toys and especially baby furniture. Make sure everything works and won’t harm anyone.

Avoid large textiles: In most cases used textiles aren’t a great green deal. Most won’t be made of eco-friendly materials, most are super hard to properly clean, and with something like an old pillow, it’s almost impossible to sanitize.

Later we’ll look at some good used home product decisions.