Consider the Source

What does the phrase "second-hand" bring to mind? Inferior? shabby? Does it elicit a certain yuck-factor?

How is it that used bookstores are a sought after haunt while thrifts stores such as Goodwill and Salvation Army remain forsaken outcasts? Most consumers remain uncomfortable or disconcerted with these options, choosing to purchase most or all of their needs new.

Whatever the reasons or stigmas you may have can be quickly overcome once you get that sought-after item for a fraction of the cost or free. Before organizing a pilgrimage to your local Target or Wal-mart consider purchasing used or scoring a freebie from Freecycle or Craigslist. Adopting gently owned items prevents them from becoming waste and saves costly production of equivalent new goods while conserving natural resources and protecting the environment.

Several of my recent large purchases have been from a local Goodwill. I still smile when I look at the vintage 4-poster pineapple-knobbed bed my son is sleeping in and wonder the provenance of the piece. Whose children before, dreamed in that bed? Why was such a worthy well-cared for treasure given up rather than bequeathed? Did the owner purchase an IKEA replacement? ;)

Here are some easy segues to get your feet wet purchasing pre-owned.

• Most folk wouldn't hesitate to buy a used car-

Use the same approach to purchasing any other previously owned item. Research Consumer Reports, look online for the ratings and reviews of the model. Research the cost new or used and judge accordingly.

• They don't make things the way they used to-

Case and point: go to a large metropolitan city and look up at the architecture. You will never see the craftsmanship of buildings like Yale being built today, for example. Cheaper mass-produced items just don't have the longevity and workmanship of grandma's bureau.

• Support your neighbors- keep it local

I'm not going to launch into all-out, no-import campaign but consider the recent headlines
regarding newly minted toxic plastics from overseas and where they are sold. Nuf said.

• Check out used books- Some folk like their books pristine while I find "marginalia" fascinating. The prices are a fraction of the huge on-line booksellers.

*Patronizing your Local book store is the best option
*Half.com
*Swaptree - free less the postage
* Bookins - trade and exchange books. Only cost is $4.49 shipping for any book.
* PaperBackSwap
*BookMooch

• Looking for household goods-

*Goodwill
*Craigslist
*Freecycle
*Salvation Army
*ebay

Why not value the heritage of not-new and buck the disposable society? Come on, be a trendsetter!