What if we focused on reusing things, going thrifting, and buying secondhand? How would our perspective change about how society tells us to operate?
As technology advances and we continue to have the world at our fingertips, it seems natural to want the next BIG thing. From childhood we are bred to be out with the old and in with the new, thanks to the help of American marketing and advertising. We learn to consume in excess, ignore the importance of re-use, and function as though we have unlimited supply of everything. As I get older and experience different ways of living, I've come to consume only what I need and to see the beauty in used, older, and vintage items.
It all started with my father buying my sister and I thrifted clothing in high school. Our immediate reaction was "they smell like old people and moth balls!" No surprise coming from the mouths of young teenagers.But as time passed, I came into my own sense of style. Going back through those bags of thrifted clothes from my father was the essence of going shopping in our own closet. Picking through clothing that I once turned my nose up at, I found they had become these unique pieces that I was excited to add to my wardrobe. I was able to see the beauty and quality in these pieces that my teenage mind didn't grasp. From that point on, going thrifting became a part of my weekend regiment.
It was like the same experience of going to the mall but BETTER.
Imagine perusing through funky blazers, silk blouses, and intricately detailed coats, all at a reasonable price! (Cue where my love of patterns and blouses came from.) That, my friend, is the way to build your wardrobe with one-of-a-kind pieces that no one else will own. And once you no longer wear an item, you can donate it right back to the thrift store you purchased it from.
This idea of reuse is what today's generations are missing. We remain focused on investing in things instead of experiences. This is where we miss chances to expand our mind and see the world in a new light.
When something is no longer cool, no longer works, no longer is up to our standards, or is no longer in style, we throw it away.
BUT why not donate them?
Because society has ingrained in us to desire new things. But instead of getting rid of them we can donate them to be reused. Just because we no longer want these things doesn't mean that another person cannot use them.
One man's trash is another man's treasure.
Getting in the habit of donating things, going thrifting, and buying items secondhand opens our eyes to the idea that less is more. We no longer strive to spend exorbitant amounts of money on the new IT thing. Instead we are able to find quality in these used items. We are no longer caught up in society's cycle of supply and demand.
