things you should NEVER BUY new | eco-minimalism

[@gardeningsouthdakota]

Issue with kids stuff (car seats, cribs, etc.) is all the recalls and safety issues with buying used. I am super bummed out that our kids infant seat can't be resold easily and the local shelters won't take it since they can't guarantee it hasn't been in a crash and we only used it for 7 months. Kids clothes absolutely should be bought used! They grow so dang fast and the BST groups online are awesome.

[@alainapotaduh4625]

I am with you on kids gear! Just this week (and for the second time) I had to link the recall info on the Bumbo seat that was recalled in 2012! because it didn't have the safety buckle. It's a shame that Buy Nothing groups allow recalled items because it's an "at your own risk" group. If I hadn't been there to link the info, some unknowing baby could be seriously hurt! I will say I have successfully sold my kid's infant seats on FB Marketplace, but as a "Safety Sally" that I am, I made sure to disclose that it was accident free and the expiration dates are well within a good long-term use timespan, even after I was done with it. With other seats I have just given them away for the Target trade-in event so others can get the 20% off items.

[@jessicasantos6690]

Thankfully, you can buy cribs, high chairs, bibs...I'm having a hard time thinking of baby stuff at the moment. 😅 Point is...you can buy almost everything else secondhand for kids.

[@limitlessbianca]

It’s so true. Especially baby stuff, they grow out of everything so quickly anyway. Most of my baby’s stuff are gifted, including gears, clothes, blankets, bassinet, high chair etc. Some were bought new. I didnt know that carseat has an expiry date. I only found out much later. Fortunately, the one we have now that’s gifted and expired, is going to be outgrown soon, so I’m on the search for a new one.

[@mostmai]

@@limitlessbianca Target sometimes have a take back program on carseats. We have alot of old carseats too. So hard to just throw it out.

[@jenschultz3354]

So true - I have tried to donate our crib mattress everywhere and no one will take it because it’s a mattress! Breaks my heart, so I still have it because I can’t bring myself to put it out for garbage day.

[@sarahkaye7096]

last year my dad was going to get me a bunch of new tools as a small “tool starter kit” and I asked him not to, then i found a used tool store in Pittsburgh and got a complete toolbox FILLED with tools for only $20 it was a dream

[@sarah2576]

I do ALL of this and because I thought I was being cheap. Actually I’m being eco-friendly (:

[@itskaybe6348]

Being cheap is great for the planet lol

[@myneoangel4299]

Thankfully they usually go hand in hand 😁

[@jamesfv1]

Yay being poor 😅 I do most of these.

[@moonflower1616]

I think that this is a message that capitalism purposely sends to people. You're "cheap" for not buying everything new to keep the money flowing in billionaires' pockets.

[@user-fg6hg7ds1v]

@@moonflower1616 yeppp

[@e.babybaby]

Great holiday idea - buy Pyrex (or glass) baking trays from a thrift shop/goodwill and bake a holiday treat for friends and family. Tell them to keep the dish and pay it forward the next holiday! 🤗

[@jayhutch8671]

My dinnerware is Pyrex baking dishes i thrifted. I love them, the rims around the dish keeps salad dressing and soupy foods from spilling

[@wmstchic]

What a great idea!!!!

[@Viennafly1]

Just be a bit careful of vintage Pyrex. I think some of the older ones have lead in them? But def a cute idea. :)

[@e.babybaby]

@@Viennafly1 any baking glassware will do really!! Doesn’t have to be name-brand

[@Viennafly1]

@@e.babybaby yeah it’s definitely a great idea!

[@chrish9659]

Don’t forget YARD SALES ARE FIRE 🔥 and stuff is usually WAY CHEAPER than the thrift

[@squidge125]

In the UK we have car boot sales. It's a whole culture- but they all start at some ungodly hour in the morning. Like 6am. Urggh!

[@squidge125]

In the UK we have car boot sales. It's a whole culture- but they all start at some ungodly hour in the morning. Like 6am. Urggh!

[@ecolifehacks6871]

There are also online thrift stores like Poshmark

[@lindatisue733]

Wish Sweden had the yard sale tradition. People throw stuff away instead of having yard sales. There are second hand stores, but they are 50% of retail at best, I have seen used clothes at more than new.

[@pandascoops]

Can confirm!! My husband and I bought his 3-year-old nephew a small tricycle,, good condition, from a yard sale for ONLY $3 and he uses it everyday! then a few months later I saw a similar one at Walmart (almost looked the exact same tricycle too!) but it was $20. So we got to save money for the same thing too. 😉

[@thatjillgirl]

A seasonal addition to the list: CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS. My husband and I got into estate sale shopping in the last year, and it is unbelievable how much Christmas stuff is already out there. You can absolutely find Christmas decorations aplenty if you hit up your local estate sales, garage sales, etc. (They are also really good for finding secondhand tools.) Also, when you go looking for things in thrift stores, don't forget about antique stores as an option as well! My local antique store has its own plethora of dishes, mugs, vases, etc.

[@annalizer1992]

Exactly! Also, the 'trendy' christmas decorations are usually not my style anyway, and most of the stuff you find in stores is made of plastic instead of glass.

[@alisonkitchin7581]

I can’t believe how many people trash their decor after a year and buy new… I have Halloween decor that is 40 years old, plus my Christmas stuff is stuff handed down. It’s so much more meaningful!!!

[@lex6819]

You are right! I find my decorations at Goodwill and the Habitat ReStore.

[@sleepygrle6738]

A few months ago I went to an estate sale and they had two huge room just full of Christmas stuff, some of it look fairly old (like 80s, I’m born in the early 2000s so that’s fairly old for me lol) I didn’t get any bc I don’t celebrate Christmas but my papa bought a lot of things. But like yeah there’s Christmas stuff everywhere second hand that’s still in great condition

[@samanthab2484]

Plus the rush of joy you get from finding that one item you've been looking for at the second hand store.

[@anotheramy71]

Moka pot! Navy blazer! Wooden tray! Thrift stores are where it's at.

[@koalaeucalyptus]

Gosh, in the city I lived in Japan there was this A-MA-ZING second hand shop, three floors of pure treasure. I bought EVERYTHING I could there, from furniture and home items and appliances (they even offered a 3-month warranty on tech stuff!) to dishes and clothes. It was such a dream... my current city has nothing like that, and I miss it a lot. So, I try and find used stuff online now...

[@kaydee1721]

You mean the raspberry beret?

[@Greenteabook]

I've been using the dish set my parents got for a wedding present in the 70s. My sister's family used it before me, and gifted it when they moved across the country. And the bonus is there are replacements online floating around for those clumsy times I get!

[@sophw8780]

Oh that is also so special too . Those plates have a sentimental factor to them

[@arise1668]

Yeah, many of the times people will give it cheaper or free because they're thinking of donating it anyways.

[@amphoteric]

i understand where people are coming from when they talk about tech producing so much waste buuuut... tech companies need to make sure their phones don't slow down or die off within 2 years tbh

[@destinyraex]

It's sad that they're intentionally doing the opposite, what with planned obsolescence.

[@Shelbizleee]

that's a big part of the waste for suuuuure!

[@magdab2502]

But that's bc they don't design their products to last as software develops, or to have small replacements in case they get slow!

[@feylights166]

This

[@ckdraws410]

That’s why the right to repair is so important. Apple intentionally makes it difficult to replace the battery which is a consumable component and they charge $50 to do it in the store. I’ve found that if you feel like you need a new phone, what you probably actually need is a new battery

[@michellemasanzaofficial]

I live in Uganda and I'm frankly surprised about how much of what is normal for me, like buying literally everything second hand, is a huge lifestyle shift for people from the west. We live like this, trust me, it's not that big of a deal, especially if it's better for the planet.

[@sleepygrle6738]

As someone from the west (Midwest America) I think it’s mainly big city people who have to go through a lifestyle change. Most people from small towns that I know of grew up buying things second hand bc it saves money so changing a few more things in our lives like not buying plastic stuff is a bit of a shift but that mainly food related problems

[@dees3179]

I’m in the U.K. and lots of us here including me are mostly buying second hand. The world seen in adverts is not always true.

[@mariabezymyannaya4219]

I really loved this video, the only thing I can comment on is that "with a little bit of patience you can find anything secondhand" for me more often goes like "with A LOT of TIME and RESEARCH you can find anything secondhand". I'm an immigrant and I'm basically starting my life from scratch and in my experience finding good second hand things is a challenge, especially since I don't have a car or a driver's licence. I can't buy furniture second hand at all, unless I buy it from one of my neighbours (which happens on rare occasions). For example I'm trying to have a house where I will feel happy and cozy, and while a lot of good quality things I can find second hand, often it takes SO MUCH resources to find them, that I feel completely overwhelmed and exhausted. We will need to renovate our bathroom and kitchen at some point and I would love to use good quality second hand/scraped materials, but I tried looking into it a little and realized that it would be simply impossible to do by myself - I will need to hire someone who will at least find all the proper materials for me and we just can't afford that. Anyway, my point is that, while second hand things are amazing, it can require a lot of resources from people to find things that will work for them - I imagine it must be much easier for rich people who can outsource all of that research, sadly I'm not one of them :)

[@jenniferburns2530]

Finding quality second hand items for things like furniture, tools, and building materials can be difficult if you live in an area with few options. Transportation is also an issue. Don't give up, but also recognize when it just isn't going to work out.

[@cdemmm]

Definitely never considered this. I've done tons of thifting all my life and there is an amazing resource in my experience and my mom for knowing what's good

[@cozywitchcrafter]

My parents got a George Forman grill back when they were big in the late 90s early 00s and when I found it and opened it I realized it was BRAND NEW. I have been using it almost weekly since.

[@alyssaw750]

I loved my mom’s from then. I need to look online for a used one.

[@actuallyterry]

Same

[@thecoldglassofwatershow]

Haha those things are great!

[@BouncyBrown]

For pets, some people go to breeders because they want a specific breed. However, there are often rescues for specific breeds. You can also ask a local animal shelter to put you on a waitlist for a certain breed.

[@bananamanchester4156]

Knitters/crocheters! I have been buying "yarn oddment bundles" from EBay and using them to make multicoloured and stripey things. I made my husband a blanket for his birthday and have made my sister one for Christmas! Highly recommend as it's not only better for the planet but cheaper.

[@hannahlennertkristiansen4797]

but there is carbon footprint in ordering things online?

[@bananamanchester4156]

@@hannahlennertkristiansen4797 there's a carbon footprint in doing/buying anything! It's just about trying pick the best choices you can :)

[@nancyplants757]

I made some tee shirt yarn from some of my old stained tee shirts (I have enough rags in my house) I don't knit or crochet but my mom does. One tee shirt makes a decent sized ball of yarn and all you need are scissors and patience.

[@xerrias]

Check the thriftstore also. Mine always has huge bags of unused yarns in various colors for CHEAP. Its so nice to be able to afford learning this hobby easily.... And do so secondhand.

[@bananamanchester4156]

@@nancyplants757 yes this is great and such a good way to repurpose things!

[@AaallyAbb]

I bought my first new phone in 2015 for $600, it finally gave up this year & I bought one on trademore for a fraction of the price. 🤣 I can't believe that I almost considered spending $1200 on a new phone...

[@Kimberly-wt1nu]

Me either, but then again, if nobody bought a new phone for $1200, we wouldn't be able to buy their used phones.

[@jettascorner21]

I fully endorse not buying stuff new for kids, but may disagree with you a bit about the car. I've been buying my kids clothes and shoes secondhand because seriously, in at most a year they will grow out of it! With regards to the car, I think it is OK to buy new as long as you're not trading it in for a new model after just a few years. My parents bought a brand new car when I was a kid, and my mum drove it for over 20 years! She made sure it was regularly maintained and services and repaired whatever got broken along the way.

[@DanaLynne]

We are still driving my (deceased) mother-in-law's car which was built in 1997! It doesn't have any rust on it either! My husband's truck is a 2003 Chevy Silverado!

[@sleepygrle6738]

For real, my grandma bought a truck sometime in the mid to late 90s and my mom bought it from her not too long after I was born. That was around 2003, that truck is still up and running. It’s got a few problems but I come from a poor so everyone knows how to fix something (I sew, so my job is to fix clothes) so I have uncles and a grandpa we just call someone to fix something and either pay them with money or we would fix something for them

[@lifeontheledgerlines8394]

I'm 17 and driving now, and the car I drive is just older than I am--it's actually the car I was brought home from the hospital in! My dad knows enough stuff about cars to have kept it running and in good condition for all of this time, and he says there's probably a good 2-3 years left out of it. It's insane to me that my parents have friends who buy new cars every 3-4 years while my parents have managed to make their two cars, both roughly my age, last to this day. They did get a new truck which is also in the rotation because I'm mainly the one driving the aforementioned car, but they both have to go to work, and I'm sure that truck will be well taken care of for a long time.

[@dirtyfilthystinky]

I think you're missing the point, there's just so many used cars already out there! If you can find a used car that has what you're looking for there's no reason to buy a brand new one!

[@louisehendrickx1671]

I moved into an appartment with my boyfriend almost 4 years ago, and basically everything we own was a hand-me-down. My family especially never got rid of anything (more of a hoarder-thing than an eco-thing though) and we've been absolutely privileged. I still like to go to interior shops to find some inspiration; and when I look at the prices I can't imagine the amount of money we've saved thanks to our family's tradition of keeping (and giving) basically everything. From big pieces of furniture to odd kitchen appliances, from photo frames to plant pots and table cloths. My favourites include: a set of dishes (from the time it was the norm to buy everything x24!) from my great grandmother, a Le Creuset dutch oven from my grandmother, marble side tables from my grandmother, and a cupboard from a greataunt. Almost everywhere I look in our little home I see the history of our family and friends, and it makes me feel so warm.

[@KarolYuuki]

That's so cool! Half of things that I have at my current apartment were from my partner's aunt, who used to live here before, or her sister, who lived here before her. In fact, the apartment itself is a hand me down from his grandfather. We are living there while we don't have enough money to get our own place. Probably more people from his family will live in this place on the future, and they will have some things from us.

[@celinad115]

About the home thing: I live in Germany and my aunt and uncle got an old house like a year ago that needs remodelling and there have been so many delays because shortages especially in wood because so many new houses are being built. And I have heard the same thing from many other people too. The waste of resources, it's just crazy.

[@TheKittenChoreographer]

Yess adopt don’t shop! And since you mentioned it, can we get a video about how to be sustainable with pets? I have such a hard time since food/litter/etc comes packaged

[@YV09876]

It is not you. It is the system.

[@Gardenpixee]

Yes please!

[@ckdraws410]

And needing to use plastic bags to dispose of their bowel movements. Does anyone know a less wasteful way to take care of a cat’s bathroom needs? Without having to ensure that your compost reaches a certain temperature?

[@TheKittenChoreographer]

@@ckdraws410 The most sustainable way I could think of is using a litter genie. it still is with a plastic bag but it does keep in the smell so you don't have to throw away the bag until it is actually full. i wish there was a better way though

[@Rank.Roundup]

I’m a teacher, and I’m constantly “rescuing” all the plastic shopping bags that get thrown away there for my cat litter. I’ll scoop into the same bag for four or five days before I throw it out. I leave it in the garage so the smell isn’t a problem. It’s not perfect, but it’s the best system I’ve found.

[@hannahwhitewv]

My sister and I have five little girls between us and they all shared clothes going from my house to hers and back again as they outgrew them. I even found a little girl that we are friends with to pass their clothes on further. Six girls are wearing the same set of clothing. And a lot of them were second hand in the first place!

[@auroracrane6147]

Sounds like my childhood wardrobe we used to swap clothes with my mother's best friend's kids constantly. New clothes was usually the stuff our mom's found on their yard selling weekend outings where they would go from yard sale to yard sale trying to find the best things that they needed and would compete to see who could spend the least amount of money. I am still using the dresser my mom found for me at a yard sale when I was 6 years old and I am now 52.

[@CJackson111100]

My sister & I have four girls & three boys between us & we’ve also been trading clothes back & forth for years :)

[@JacquieG]

The issue with car seats used is you can't guarantee it has not been in an accident. Which can compromise the safety of it. And also you car insurance might not cover a used seat. I had to show my purchase of mine, because they also expire

[@mattiemercado9954]

Yeah that is the one thing I was like ummm no don’t buy that used

[@vintagedoll4850]

Agree. A car seat is the only baby item i buy new because of these reasons. You can get the trade in deals at Target.

[@alisonkolberg4816]

Yep!! Always new car seats ❤️

[@auroracrane6147]

Yes I agree with everyone about Infant car seats being bought new. There is the issue of the expiration date , not to mention the fact that a car seat that has been in even a minor accident may develop micro cracks that could cause the car seat to fail in a subsequent accident. For these reasons, it is illegal for thrift shops in California to sell donated/used car seats, because there is no way to certify that a used seat has never been in an accident.

[@laurenalise3488]

Oh that is interesting, thanks for sharing!

[@kableplaskey4165]

I only buy socks and underwear new from sustainable brands. I haven’t bought new clothes besides that in 2 years.

[@sct4040]

Please share what these brands are, so I can do the same.

[@kableplaskey4165]

@@sct4040 I usually just buy underwear and socks from Pact

[@99leadpencils]

My fav thrift find this year is my Misto! It was new and never used for just $4. I absolutely love it. I am continually surprised how often I have been finding new or like-new items second hand. Also - while this list was still long, I feel like it could still be longer. For instance, wood furniture (especially coffee tables and end tables), small home decor and high heels are also very plentiful in second hand markets.

[@Beeplabeep]

Noooo I bought them brand new because I've never found them before 😭

[@lex6819]

I've inherited 3 cast iron skillets from my grandmother and aunt who passed away years ago. So many things you can make in a skillet (including pineapple upside down cake). And the hand me downs are already seasoned.

[@KikiIsBusy]

I bought my dishes before college at a garage sale. 17 years later and they're still going great. My spouse wanted to register for new ones for our wedding and I explained why it's not necessary. Also, I've never ever bought a mug for myself, I've just wound up with a ton of them as gifts.

[@deannapolaski9485]

I love this list!! My husband has thousands of dollars worth of snap-on tools and a giant tool box that he got FOR FREE because people were going to throw them out. These are perfectly good tools too. Some were literally sitting on the side of the road for bulk pick-up... 🤦‍♀️

[@sentientbeingslove]

Something Shelbi usually adds but I didn't hear in this video - buying some things new in order to support the creator can be great. Buying from ethical, sustainable clothing companies, or buying a book or music to support an artist or author you love. It doesn't apply to everything, like tools and electronics, but it is important to note where applicable I think.

[@jordanyoder9356]

Gosh I didn’t even think about the importance of buying dishes and kitchen gadgets secondhand. I loved your perspective in this video!

[@mollyb8136]

I needed a masher for my bokashi compost. I told my mum that I was waiting until the thrift shops opened up. And bless her, she went and got me a new one. Not what I had in mind, and I've gotten her to have the new one and I'll take her old one. Still working on her understanding that I like second hand things rather than new. But I love the kindness and thoughtfulness she shows 🥰🥰

[@WayToVibe]

When you buy jars with swingtop lids sometimes they don't come with gaskets. Those rubber seals were never made to last forever. Fortunately you can buy replacements in a lot of the same places you buy canning supplies. You can't really get just the gaskets second-hand, but for $3-5 (depending on size) you can get a pack of 12. I now have 10 more left and going forward I can now go to the thrift store with one in my purse and just see if it'll fit the rim of any jar which doesn't already come with a seal. This has pretty much doubled my jar buying options now I don't have to avoid the ones with no seals.

[@supernova622]

You can get silicone gaskets, too, which won't degrade like rubber

[@stacirothman1402]

HUGE yes to the second hand kid’s items!! We are expecting our first baby in April and we are getting second hand clothes, stroller, even a second hand car seat! (Car seat is from a good friend who has verified no wrecks, not expired, etc) and it makes me so happy! Our registry also has a note that we prefer second hand items and we also registered for hand made meals which of course is lower waste than a cute outfit the baby will just get dirty haha

[@leonielaperriere6571]

The only times I buy clothes new is when I really want something and I don't find it second hand. And I always buy my new clothes from sustainable brands.

[@hannahm3126]

I've had my current iPhone for 4 years and everything you've taught me has helped me keep onto it as long as I can

[@teresamaganabravo7485]

I'm a new healthcare worker and I bought all of my scrubs used from Goodwill and depop:)) I always try to buy everything used!

[@ilovemyoregon]

Always love yours videos! I’m in animal rescue and would love to hear the topic of pets talked about more. So many die in shelters or homes less outside. Many people don’t know the importance of spaying and neutering and many don’t know there are eco friendly options for pet supplies.

[@FrenchTheLlamaFTL]

I got a rice cooker secondhand for $8, and I'm currently on the lookout for a biscuit cutter. The thrift stores around me (basically just Goodwill) have a very small section for housewares. Your thrift store seems like it has much more stock of non-clothing items

[@auroracrane6147]

Until you find that biscuit cutter, you can always use a drinking glass or glass jar for cutting out biscuits. you just dip the glass in water to keep the dough from sticking to the glass. This is how I learned from my mom to cut biscuits. I was an adult before I knew there was such a thing as a cutter just for cutting out biscuits.

[@supernova622]

I found a zojirushi rice cooker for $10 💀

[@Nyalna]

I agree with most of these and do a lot of secondhand shopping, but having moved to a smaller, more rural community, I will say the local secondhand options are much more limited here in both quantity and quality versus a larger or younger city. I can see the difference even in our Facebook marketplace versus the big cities a few hours away. . I've just had to pick my battles and recognize availability is really a regional thing. So for anyone who finds themself in that situation, just do your best!

[@fairytori]

It's so strange how your videos never pop up for me anymore even though you're my favorite youtube

[@sunflowercynthia9519]

Thrifting is the best! 🤩 I found a standing mirror with storage for jewellery for $30 (instead of $120) and a very trendy picnic basket that I'll take with me everywhere because I love picnics for $100 (instead of $200). The patience really pays off when you find an article you've had your eye on 😝

[@sct4040]

$100 is too much 🤣

[@patriciastikeleather5689]

We put stuff we don't need anymore in the driveway with "free" on it. High chair and change table were only out there for one hour!

[@leggi_bois4eva]

I came to the realization with this video that I have never purchased dishes new. All second hand or passed down. I even learned to restore cast iron so that I can get cheap pots etc that I KNOW will last

[@Ellie-sy1yn]

I have two tuxedo cats, and recently I found the cutest mug at Goodwill with two tuxedo kitties on it! 😻

[@udderlylost1178]

I use Mercari to sell stuff we don't use anymore. Sold a breast pump that just did not work for me which allowed me to recoup some of the money. I love Mercari's save search feature so it alerts me when a specific item I'm looking for is up for sale. Literally bought a nursing dress in the exact style I wanted within an hour of the seller posting it because of that feature lol. I love it

[@Plantiesmom]

So happy San Antonio made the law about chain stores like pet land can’t sell breeder puppies and they need to come from a shelter. I agree, why are breeders even allowed to force their dog to have litters ?? Like what ??

[@Rank.Roundup]

Not to mention, most pet store pets don’t come from places where their parents got love and warmth and a soft bed. Most come from puppy mills which are extremely cruel. Yay, San Antonio!

[@mwilliamson3989]

Supply and demand unfortunately

[@vintagedoll4850]

Please talk more about no buy groups because they have been a life saver for me! I know you have mentioned it in the past. Get excited for more Autumn weather because a cold front is coming through today! 🍂🧡🍁

[@thatjillgirl]

Yeah, no buy groups can be very hit or miss, but I have gotten a few things from mine, and I've given away a few things as well. It was nice to be able to get rid of stuff I didn't need and know that it was going to someone who actually wanted it.

[@sarajean1861]

My house was built in 1899. I love it. I try to find all storage used... but I did breakdown and get a new instapot. 🙃

[@grey29825]

Something that always shocked me was that my friends didn’t save their jam jars to be cups afterwards. They were always so pretty, I don’t understand why they would ever get thrown out

[@rskieball]

Yes yes yes yes yes. I went to our local landfill a few years ago, seeing all of the waste really convinced me to stop buying things new. So important this time of year

[@meganbelongeay7418]

I've been going back and forth on if buying a fixer upper home is better than building a solar passive home with more sustainable materials. My thought is that it creates more of a demand for the sustainable materials if we build but at the same time yes... there are so many built houses already. It's a battle I have every day tbh

[@mwilliamson3989]

Look into LEED certification please. New or used. If we demand it the will do it. Its closed end and very eco friendly. Also there are green real estate agents now.

[@Megan-nt7dm]

I absolutely adore my dishes, I got them from my mom when she got my grandmother's set! And it's super nostalgic for me because they are the plates I grew up with. Edit: I also inherited a large portion of my grandpa's tools, which only made my DIY tendencies worse lol

[@Rhaifha]

Only issue I have with 2nd hand clothing is that I've literally never found any clothing 2nd hand that fit me. I'm a plus size lady in a country where that is not super common and the thrift stores literally only carry grandma clothing in my size. And shopping clothing 2nd hand online is likely just going to end me up with clothing that doesn't fit me. So yeah, I buy my clothes new. Very rarely and very much keeping in mind what I can do within my (small) budget. Heck, I'm even working on learning how to sew so I can use second hand *fabric* to make my own clothing. But yeah. Availability is a thing.

[@JacquieG]

This... I never find my size in thrift stores or consignment

[@melmel6370]

I never find my size either, especially with pants; I'm 6 feet tall.

[@juliagardner1383]

Me too. I have an awkward body shape rarely find anything good

[@kturnerzzz]

Some second hand websites allow returns, not sure where you are based but Micolet in Europe accepts returns and gives quick refunds. I tend to look for brands I know are likely to fit but have returned things with no problem.

[@michelleneubauer5099]

Same here… you are not alone! Don’t give up the hope tho I’m pretty certain that it will change in the future 💓

[@pia-laetitia7513]

I moved into my first own flat recently (yay) and I didn’t get anything new and the best part of it (besides not contributing to the waste circle) is that most of my relatives had a lot of “old” things, they didn’t use anymore so that I didn’t even had to thrift a lot. I basically only got a thrifted couch, water carbonater (idek if this is a word) and a washing machine :))) it saved me a lot of money ^^

[@CherryXValanceX]

I love thrifting for clothes, and I also have a lot of fabric so I’ve been making my own clothes when I can! Sewing is black great hobby and really beneficial to the eco community!!!

[@colepeterson1295]

I would love a video on how to be more eco friendly with pets. I have two cats and I just can’t seem to find a good way to be eco friendly will also giving them what they need. Please help! You have shown me so much on being a better person for the planet I would love to be able to go all the ways with my cats included

[@sct4040]

Cats love boxes.

[@annalizer1992]

Christmas decorations too! There's so many cute, good quality stuff at thrift shops from October onwards and it's much cheaper than buying new glass baubles. Also, the 'trendy' Christmas ornaments you can buy in shops are usually not my style anyway.

[@katyyanda8958]

I was thinking about how there is not that same sense of community that there used to be. It used to be so normal to pass around kids stuff to all the cousins, and friends babies then back around again. Needing a tool you would ask your neighbors and they would probably come on over and help you with the tool.

[@mnmgirl24]

The car thing completely shocked me. My car was originally my mom’s, and it’s from 1999. I don’t plan on getting a new car until this one falls apart-it’s a Toyota, so it’ll be a looooong time lol

[@koalaeucalyptus]

I am always in awe when people talk about changing cars every few years, buying the car of the year... my parents always bought second hand, and only changed cars when really necessary. They usually lasted for many years, and as kids we'd even name the cars, making them part of the family haha

[@jenniferapnt]

This resonated with me, back home my grandma gave me my grandpa’s car from 1995… it was my college car, and although I don’t use it anymore that car it’s still ALIVE! My “new” car is a 2012 model, used 🙌🏻

[@amirabrown9761]

I wish there was a way to set up a “second hand registry” for weddings and baby showers. Like you could list what you need, and people could check it off but you would request that they get a second hand?

[@phoebelee3527]

That’s a great idea, so we know what each other needs. people can probably check it off with their unused items.

[@ronja_kkat]

On the topic of dishes: When I moved out earlier this year I took my great grandma's plates, bowls, cutting boards, tea sets and even a few knives. She moved to a retirement home a few months prior and I immediately eyed her dishware xD it's beautiful vintage and I love it!

[@breanarich2901]

Hahahah I’m happy I watched this before going to goodwill 😂 girl I can tell you we had 158+ mugs. I lost count when a lady started talking to me

[@hannahcussen767]

You mentioned a video about culture - a video of the culture around thrifting would be so interesting!

[@MichtheMinimalist]

Wow so happy I found you! This is so helpful. I’ve been changing slowly over the past few months and I live for things that can be practically done

[@mireyas28]

I’ve gotten SO MANY free working iPhones from friends/family and resold them. Somehow $800++ phones are considered disposable it’s crazy. Maybe I have to do minor repairs that I learned how to do on KZbin

[@lyndabethcave3835]

All my dishes and cutlery (and my kitchen table) came from a beloved local teahouse that was closing down. I love being sustainable and having a little piece of my town's history at home.

[@lavenderhoney3208]

Quick tip, if you are looking for all matching jars, go to a scratch kitchen restaurant. We use all kinds of jared items over and over. I just gave away 50 16oz jars, all matching with lids and I will have more in no time.

[@everything_is_illuminated619]

I just found a gorgeous wicker pumpkin at the thrift a few weeks ago! I love it so much!

[@danalou7484]

I wish I could buy more second hand kitchen stuff, but it's not safe for me to do. I have celiac and cross contamination is a huge problem with second hand kitchen ware. I actually had to get rid of most of my kitchen equipment after I was diagnosed.

[@fibromiteready2fight809]

Just focus on what you can do! It sucks that things like bulk bins and second hand kitchen items cannot be used as easily by people with dietary allergies and restrictions

[@lydiajoystuart4082]

I've bought a lot of my pet stuff second hand. Towels, bowls, wire basket, grids, etc. It's great!!!

[@brittanytellefsen9913]

I wish I lived in an area that had good thrift shops. Our thrift shops are so small and junky. I can never find anything there. And since I don't live in or near a big city, Facebook Marketplace isn't usually very successful either. I would have to travel an hour + to get most things. Ugh.

[@KarolYuuki]

Yeah. Most thrift shops where I live are just for clothes. Never seen a thrift shop for other things in my city.

[@brittanytellefsen9913]

@@KarolYuuki Same. But even my thriftstores don't have large selections of clothes, either. It makes second hand shopping very difficult! I hate having to buy clothes online but I now just try to go through Thred Up to get secondhand clothes. And there definitely isn't a good selection of anything else in my thriftstores, either. I also live in an area where sustainable grocery shopping shopping is not a thing, either. No bulk foods or anything. So I try to make as many good choices as possible but it is very difficult.

[@mable90shaynne]

There are a few of these I could be better about. That's for the inspiration!

[@alisonroth7123]

I just vaguely started thinking about our wedding registry today and dishes are definitely something I want to be guilty of for a second time (not only do we have a perfectly serviceable 8 place set, but I really wanted to get new cute dishes). Your video has reminded me of my values and pointed out that we could get exactly what I want second hand. Thanks for all you do!

[@terezavomackova6990]

I know people who buy new phone every year and it is hurts. I had mine five six years until it worked.

[@angelacarpenter510]

Just watched this video! I agree so much! I have always said if you can wait you can find what your looking for used or second hand!! I laughed when you talked about mugs! I’m always saying they’d never have to make another mug and the world would never run out of mugs!!😊

[@thecreativeclaws]

My only issue with clothes is finding my size second hand. I was lucky so far this year and found one pair of pants and a pair of boots... the entire year. I still try but if I can't find it, and need it, I buy it new.

[@nicamartinez6862]

Yes. It might be hard to find size wise just because its an uncommon size or just where your located. I have the same issue. But i think the main takeaway I get from her channel is to at least TRY to thrift it if you need it before buying new. You already said that you at least try which is helpful in and of itself because some people just buy, buy, buy, without ever trying to thrift at all.

[@toniconn9688]

I feel you! I can spend 2 hours and find nothing. :(

[@alexmcginness8859]

The tools is SO RELATABLE. My uncle has a garage, 2 sheds and now a 3rd giant shed all dedicated to tools. It’s insane how much he has. He could open a tool shop and make sooooooooo much money!

[@kaitydoes2185]

You should not buy car seats used. It’s about the only thing you should buy new. There’s no way to verify if it was in a car accident or not.

[@HonestHomebody]

Came here to say that! Charity shop's won't accept/sell them I think it's illegal (U.K) due to safety.

[@JacquieG]

I just said the same thing

[@shaneyswift3127]

Yes, this. Though I did buy a used one, it was specifically to go in a stroller that was meant to "click in" the car seat so you could move the infant in and out without waking them up. I only used it in the stroller. We had a separate new car seat (that's actually meant to change into a booster seat eventually, so we shouldn't need to ever replace it unless it's in an accident) for the car.

[@littledipper1199]

Can you make a video on how you clean second-hand items? It would be really helpful to some people (like me) who are worried about the germs from purchasing something used

[@sandihumeniuk4462]

Totally agree! Didn’t realize how beneficial it was to shop second hand for most of my clothes and household furniture and belongings all my life…was doing to be frugal. So glad I have instilled that in life and my family! Now seeing the huge benefits!!

[@UttkanthaS]

Hey Shelbi, I love your content and really appreciate the work you put into it. At the risk of asking you to perform more labor, do you mind organizing your videos with the labeled timestamps that youtube now has? I'm not sure exactly what they are called but I have seen many youtubers now do this, especially with videos that list things like yours tend to. It is very helpful for my attention span to be able to see a breakdown of things covered in a video, and I am sure others would find it useful as well. Thank you for doing what you do!!

[@kiarimarie]

Oh dang, I think my husband would've loved trade more. He doesn't do much with his phone and just needed a new one because his was pretty busted. But he already bought a new one.

[@randyo6019]

Loving this list Shelbi! I’ve never bought dishes, mugs, cups and silverware. I get hand me downs from family and I’m happy!! There’s so much treasures at yard sales and thrift shops. I usually keep my car for about 10-16years until the engine blows before I get another. We really do live in a materialistic world and need reminders!

[@Lizzy43645]

I just got my first thread up box and love it! I’m also insanely jealous of that wicker pumpkin!!

[@rahtsnake144]

lots of my dishes are inherited from my grandma's house. they're all mismatched but i love them all. i had a bad friend who melted my grandma's mixing bowl and I'm still not over it

[@louisehafe]

This video is perfect timing because I was thinking of putting a new humidifier on my Christmas wish list but I talked to my mom first and she has one that she doesn't use

[@jk1314]

1. about tools, I guess I'm lucky that I'm living in latin america, because of costs and importations dificulty they are luxury items so I see a lot of youtube channels about diys. Recently I saw a peruvian youtuber explain how he gave life to a sander that had no lock with glue, cardboard and regular sandpaper (not the specialized) and totally stealed the idea. 2. Are there repairs clubs in texas? 3. You did no appear in my principal page anymore Idk why, I resuscribed so It pinges me when you upload but after some time I watched your channel with new eyes and dayum! such quality videos. shelby you're a total pro in edition, filming and also gotten better comunicating ideas.

[@WhisperedEternity]

Charity shop candles and me are best friends. I get so many that are obviously from like the 90s and I love the retro packaging

[@SparkieGoth]

The plates and bowls that my husband and I use came from the charity shop (a UK thrift store) that I volunteered at it 2010. We're still using them almost every day. Our knives and forks are my parent's cast offs, too! We also inherited my husband's Godfather's laundry rack for air drying. All of my clothes come from second hand sellers on EBay. That way, I'm buying them from a private citizen who probably needs the money, rather than a retail chain who obviously does not.

[@Laura-NABI]

New subscriber! I have always thought of myself as an environmentalist and minimalist, now I have a name for it because of you! Now to go and watch all of your videos xD Thank you!

[@stephaniecraig1666]

I'm watching this as I'm literally in Walmart about to buy a pot for a Johnny Appleseed costume. I didn't even THINK about going to the thrift store. I feel SO ashamed. 🤦‍♀️ Thank you Shelbi for reminding me that I can make better choices!

[@pattykake7195]

I always hit up the op shop when I need anything…and usually find exactly what I need every time ….👌🏽

[@meghanhiryak8337]

ugh I love this outfit you look so cute and festive! seriously wardrobe goals

[@Modvintagegypsy]

My financial situation has always dictated that I canr buy new. Over the years I've fallen in love with the fact that used is still good! And its helping our planet, so I'm all for it! My last phone I had more than 5 years! It finally kicked the bucket this year

[@mjbjornson6537]

I do most of these things as a college student. Everytime my parents get rid of something I take it with me (pots pans etc).

[@AllieandCocosScienceShow]

I've done some pretty wild college move out dumpster diving, but also there's a GREAT thrift store in town that sells people's FULL dish sets (also with like gravy boats and all that all in their wacky prints) for like $40! But yeah my friend and I were always talking about buying crazy mugs at the thrift store, making them into candles, and selling them for eco fun!

[@AllieandCocosScienceShow]

Also Libby is a great way to do all the book things for free!

[@ShanaLawson]

I’m struggling so hard right now. My husband doesn’t give a sh*t, he’s constantly buying nonsense in unnecessary packaging, lots of tech, lots of new clothes when he gets into his “moods”. I’m the only one who recycles, I always have a stack of recycling that I have to wash bc no one else will simply rinse their cans 😫

[@maryjaneg3918]

When I lived in an apartment I use to always check by the garbage area to see if there was anything good there. At least people were nice to put it by the trash can and not in it!

[@katiebarton192]

YES THE TOOLS!!! My grandpa used to be a plumber and he gave me a starter set for my first apartment, all used and in great condition! He’s the neighbor everyone should be borrowing tools form

[@fillhappy1682]

Thank you for the tips! I really love your plants and your advocacies!!!! Hope to see more videos from you doing plant hauls! Yay!😍❤️

[@crystinanna7829]

Oh my goodness- if everyone could think like this about dishes!! SO TRUE. I’ve thought about this so many times. “they never have to be created again!!” Yes!!🔥

[@teresac42]

Ty for the tips! (Will definitely be getting jars from second hand now!) I would question if rebuilding a house would be bad if over time the new house would use less energy and create a safer & cleaner environment for its members. Of course, I agree building a new house from scratch would be better than demolishing an existing one to build in its spot. There’s a sustainability problem to solve, how to construct buildings without emissions (including emissions from landfill).

[@katythriftyunder35homeowne57]

I recommend Blu Bag grocery re-usable bags. Our house was built in 1930. It has lots of quirks. But we love our vintage farmhouse. I knew it was the right place for my family the moment I 1st saw it. We also adopted our dog, Stella, who was 8 when we got her♡♡.