P.S. NIAGARA
7 Things You Should Be Buying Second Hand Instead of New! By Jody Vizza
There’s a reason “thrifting” was one of the top google searches in Canada in 2022. What started as a climate-conscious trend to avoid over-consumption, thrifting is now a Gen-Z lifestyle - an accessible, affordable and sustainable way to save and make money, all while building a personalized sense of style. I’ve been thrifting for longer than most Gen-Zers have been alive. My love of hunting at second hand and consignment stores and local estate sales resulted in curating a collection of unique and well made decor items and clothing. There’s really nothing quite like scoring a pure wool Irish cable knit cardigan amongst a rack full of ugly acrylic Christmas sweaters, or an original antique oil painting under a pile of mass produced canvases. It was an amazing time out in the wild back then. Today, I sometimes feel like a middle aged Katniss in the Hunger Games. Lining up in the cold for hours at estate sales, thrifting in pushy crowds and competing for cool finds with resellers is exhausting, but when you’ve spent more time than money finding quality items you love, you begin to value the importance of how consumer products are made, who makes them and the impact they have on our environment. The idea here is that buying previously owned things reduces the pressure on manufacturers to produce items in large quantities and when you shop locally for second hand goods, you’re helping reduce emissions from shipping from overseas. Just think of the negative environmental impact of those Amazon and Shein purchases, not to mention the 98% of textile workers in the
fashion industry who are overextended and held in systemic poverty. Purchasing locally is always better for people, the local economy, and the planet. After 20 years of second hand shopping and repurposing and repairing many of my finds, I’m still always excited when I stumble on a great vintage chair or a pair of Ralph Lauren jeans in my size.There are however, a few everyday, purposeful things that I always intentionally search for when I’m out hunting second hand and vintage for my home and for my closet. The great news is that these are items that are always readily available so there is no need to have to fight and forage like Katniss. 1. Glassware Forgo the expensive and boring glassware sets from retail stores and head to the thrift shop. There is an abundance of it out there and it’s often very inexpensive. You can get lucky finding lovely glassware rummaging around at garage sales and flea markets too. I always find that mixing and matching glassware adds a unique and whimsical look to your table. While smoked and coloured glass is a vintage collector’s favourite at the moment, you can find plenty of interesting textured and depression glass as well. Keep an eye out for drinking glasses, candlesticks, dishes and vases too. 2. Original Wall Art Purchasing original wall art can sometimes be expensive and intimidating. I always look at art as an investment in your soul, style and story. Never buy art to match your decor. Buy art to match a mood, evoke a feeling, or inspire 91
