It’s early Saturday morning. You have gone through the daily ritual of green tea and meditation and the day is full of promise. You have your favorite straw hat and comfortable shoes. You hop in your eco-friendly car and drive through the local artsy historic district looking for brightly colored, handcrafted signs with “yard” and “yard sale” painted on them. You have a plan and you know what you’re looking for, but more importantly you know someone is getting rid of something you must have. If you are patient enough, the universe will always manage to get you across it. That’s why the use of the recycle, resell and reuse philosophy is back and why collecting is a lost hobby. Pack a basket of fresh lemonade and treats to keep up your energy and hunt for bargains.
Reusing and recycling items found at antique and garage sales are a great way to start protecting the planet. Beautiful objects can be marked anywhere if you look hard enough. For example, going to garage sales in historic neighborhoods can result in old finds. Habitat for Humanity has restoration shops springing up with brilliant reclaimed reusable items that can add character and charm to your home. Some of these items include furniture, lighting (all without packaging), and even antiques. All of which contributes to more home projects for the organization. Search online to find a restoration store near you. The French chairs seen in the Fort Lauderdale store would have been any designer’s dream.
So you like to hunt for food on the weekends, but many people are finding that weekend excursions become a way of life. The tips for using the reuse philosophy throughout the week are easy and endless. Pass out magazines you’ve read to doctors’ offices or cut out pictures for vision boards and school projects. Get new cutlery? Bring your old equipment to work so people can reuse it instead of eating plastic. Better yet, carry a set in your bag to avoid excessive use of plastic cutlery at fast food. Take the latest season’s clothes to the Good Will, and while you’re at it, see if the local Good Will has a vintage store or boutique. Guilt-free instant gratification. The Good Will in Palm Beach is more of a designer store. Regularly scan Craig’s List, E Bay, and visit your used book store to shop on your wish list.
These tips to help you find your cravings will help you hit the road and start looking for food with clarity. Keep a journal of the things you are looking for. This can include books on your reading list and household necessities. Put on your poker face and see what price gives your item a fair score. Ask for the price you are willing to pay. Deal. The four wicker chairs that no longer work in a recently renovated art deco house are perfect for twenty-five bucks in your Key West-style beach house. The best advice of all is to know what you are looking for, wait patiently and when you come across the item give thanks that the universe feels it your way. You have earned it. Now the best part is finding the perfect spot in your home knowing that the price was right and that you made a creative decision to promote reuse… pass it on.