Second-hand Shopping: Saving the Planet and Your Bank Account

More and more people are turning to sustainable, second-hand shopping. Axios reports that Generation Z is reviving the art of thrifting, causing forecasters to predict the second-hand shopping market to reach $77 billion by 2025 — a $41 billion increase from $36 billion in 2021.

But what are the reasons behind second-hand shopping growing in popularity? We’ve listed some of the top virtues and merits that second-hand shopping provides, from promoting mindful consumption to helping you save money.

Encourage Mindful Consumption

Mindfulness encourages people to be more aware of the world around them, so mindful consumption applies mindfulness principles to lead consumers to make more informed and eco-friendly purchasing decisions. This mindset causes people to turn to thrifting, which promotes reusing items rather than producing new ones.

Through mindful consumption, you can promote ethical shopping by donating or reselling items that no longer serve you to someone who will use them. In doing so, you can reduce your carbon footprint by decreasing the number of items that find their way into landfills. Keeping products in circulation for a longer period of time decreases the need for manufacturing new ones, which can help the planet conserve its resources.

Case in point: CBS News reports that the apparel and footwear industry accounts for 10% of climate impact, which is more than the impact airlines have on global warming. But the more people who adopt mindful consumption habits like second-hand shopping, the more we can reduce our carbon footprint and reduce the amount of waste retailers produce.

Discover Unique Finds

Think of second-hand shopping as your own personal treasure hunt. You never know what gems you might find — from rustic antiques to one-of-a-kind collectibles to a chic pair of shoes.

To get the most out of your second-hand shopping adventures, keep these best practices in mind:

• Give yourself time to explore the aisles — sometimes you have to do a lil’ digging to find the real treasure.
• Make a list of items you’re searching for before you enter the store, so you’re not totally overwhelmed.
• Bring friends and family along to inspire others to engage in mindful shopping.

Enjoy an Affordable Shopping Trip

We know that all-too-familiar feeling of peering into our closet but not having anything to wear or fighting the urge to go on an online shopping binge. The problem is that shopping can turn into an expensive activity very quickly. And with the cost of living rising across the world — BBC News reports that U.S. prices are rising at 6.2%, its fastest rate in the last three decades — many of us are tightening our purse strings.

But second-hand shopping makes it possible to find cool items at affordable prices. There’s nothing wrong with updating your wardrobe and picking out some fun new decorations to spruce up your space. And by partaking in second-hand shopping, you can treat yo’ self in an affordable and sustainable manner.

The Perfect Companion for Your Second-Hand Shopping Adventure

So now that you know all about the merits and virtues that second-hand shopping can provide, it’s time to hit up those thrift stores. But before you embark on your sustainable shopping quest, don’t forget to grab your favorite flavor of Perfect Bar and bring it along for the journey. Trust us — you’re gonna need those 17 grams of protein and 20+ superfood ingredients to give you that much-needed energy boost before, during, or after your second-hand shopping adventure.