recovery
Normalising Second Hand Gifting
What could be better than giving a gift to your loved one and the environment, all while saving money?
Though I am fully on board with buying second-hand for myself and my immediate family, I know others may not feel the same. The stigma of second-hand items still looms in the world of gift-giving. I still don’t shop second-hand as much for others as I do myself. However, having recently researched this matter I found a write-up in a newspaper (Express) that showed statistics from a recent study.
Of 2,000 people, they found that 58% would feel positive about receiving second-hand gifts and that 46% would happily give one. The top reasons for doing so included:
- Saving money (50%)
- Affording an item that would otherwise be out of their price range (44%)
- Helping products have a longer lifespans (41%)
Here are some key factors as to why we should start normalising secondhand gifting more:
Reduces plastic introduced into the environment.
There are mountains of plastic kids’ toys looking for another home. When shopping second-hand, especially for kids’ toys, you can reduce your plastic consumption and reduce demand for products that contain plastic. The majority of toys produced are made with plastic and the majority of that plastic ends up in landfills, oceans or incinerators.
Less packaging
When buying second-hand, you can avoid all the packaging that comes with buying new products. Avoid the zip ties and Styrofoam and the annoyance. Creatively wrap to disguise the gifts.
More affordable
When you are able to buy second-hand, you can save more pennies and if you buy from a charity/fundraising shop, you can help towards a great cause too!
Supports a cyclical economy
Shopping locally, as well as second-hand, keeps money circulating in the local economy.
Reduced carbon emissions
By eliminating cross-border and global shipping, you reduce carbon emissions used in the process. If you’re buying in town or at a local charity/fundraising shop, less gas will be used and you’ll reduce the strain on postal services and couriers.
Find unique gifts and improve your shopping experience
If you have the time, exploring charity/fundraising and second-hand stores can be a fun experience. You can find unique vintage toys, beautiful glass wear, or a chunky wool sweater at a fraction of the cost. The thrill of the hunt is part of the excitement. Find something you never expected or a collector item for someone in your life. Finding unique items can spark more ideas for those in your life you want to give to.
Avoids contributing to exploitative labour and global pollution
Many toys, clothes, and gifts made abroad are not made in countries with strict labour and environmental laws. This means many items made abroad can contribute to pollution, harmful emissions, and exploitative labour — by children and adults. By reducing demand for new items made in places where labour and environmental regulations are lacking, you can ensure that you are not supporting these practices.
The Silkworth Fundraising Shop
The Silkworth Group Fundraising Shops primary purpose is to raise money for our Little House of Hope on the outskirts of town (Residential Treatment Centre) Alongside that, we bring huge value to our local community, support countless volunteers, and boost the local high street.
Our Broad Street fundraising shop is situated in the town center amongst an array of other shops, cafes, and restaurants. This shop is the perfect one-stop shop when on the hunt for clothing and gifts. Items range from up-to-date high street and designer clothing and accessories to dainty china, glass, and kitchenware.
Burrard Street Clothes, Accessories & Bric-a-Brac Shop
Monday – Saturday
9am – 5pm
Our shop depends on 100% stock donations from our on-island community.
Resourced: Evelyn Harford, Express
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