It’s early Saturday morning. You’ve gone through the daily ritual of green tea and meditation and the day is full of promise. You’ve got your favorite straw hat and comfortable shoes. You hop into your eco friendly car and drive through the artsy historic districts of the locale on the look out for hand made brightly colored signs with “yard” and “garage sale” written on them. You’ve got a plan and know what you are looking for but most importantly you know that someone out there is getting rid of something you must have. If you are patient enough, the universe always will arrange for you to cross paths with it. That is why using the recycle, resell, and reuse philosophy is back and why foraging is a lost past time. Pack a basket of freshly made lemonade and treats to keep your energy up and get bargain hunting.
The reusing and recycling of items found at garage, yard, and antique sales is a fabulous way to begin protecting the planet. Beautiful objects can be scored anywhere if you look hard enough. For example, going to yard sales in historic neighborhoods can result on some vintage finds. Habitat for Humanity has restore shops emerging with brilliant re-salvaged reusable items that can give your home character and charm. Some of these items include, furniture, lighting (all without packaging), and even antiques. All of which contributes to more building projects for the organization. Look online to find a restore shop near you. The French chairs seen in the Fort Lauderdale Beach, Florida shop would have been any designers dream.
So you like to weekend forage, but many people are finding that the weekend jaunts become a lifestyle. Tips for using the reuse philosophy during the week are easy and endless. Pass on magazines you’ve read to doctor’s offices or cut out pictures for vision boards and school projects. Getting new silverware? Take your old set to work so people can reuse rather than eat off plastic. Better yet, carry a set in your purse to avoid overuse of plastic cutlery in fast food. Take last season’s clothes to the Good Will and while you are at it, see if the local Good Will has a vintage or boutique shop. 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 for purchases on your wish list.
