Every little thing that we buy, use, or throw away leaves a mark on the planet. Whether big or small, the effect on the environment cannot be ignored. This is where buying second-hand becomes a part of the solution to help save the planet. Shopping second-hand has a lower impact as we are reusing things that have already been produced and extending their life span. The good thing is, thrifting and buying second-hand are becoming more and more popular. And we can buy almost anything pre-owned: electronic devices, clothes, books, furniture, kitchen appliances, toys and games, cars, etc… almost anything you may want or need.
Besides, with technology at our disposal, it’s getting easier and easier to find good second-hand items without wasting too much time. Take faircado as an example; it’s a free browser extension that pops up with the best second-hand alternatives to what you’re searching for online and saves you time, money, and CO2 while doing so. Quick and efficient.
Second-hand shopping has a huge positive impact on our environment so in this blog post, we’ll give you a short overview of all of its benefits.
Second-hand Shopping Helps Reduce Waste
The most obvious environmental benefit of buying second-hand is that we divert waste from landfills. By buying second-hand, you are giving a new chance to that item. In landfills, it takes a very long time, sometimes up to hundreds of years, for items to fully degrade. Imagine that every plastic ever created still exists on the planet today; that is why we should reuse things as much as possible and buy second-hand instead of new ones. When you buy second-hand products, you help preserve the natural resources of the planet.
Packaging Industry Becomes Smaller by Buying Second-hand
New products are almost always wrapped in packaging. The packaging industry uses huge amounts of plastic and paper. When buying something in a second-hand store or online second-hand markets, it is highly likely that the item does not have any packaging, thus avoiding waste. In some instances where you order a used item online and it comes with packaging, it is often smaller and involves less plastic than buying new.
Save on Your Living Expenses
Saving money is a big factor in the decision process of buying second-hand. Depending on what you buy and where you buy it, the amount of money you save varies. For example, some laptops will sell for half of their original price, but Apple products are known to have a higher resale value than other brands. By switching to buying second-hand, you can imagine how much money you will save!
You Probably Do Not Need a New One
Getting the latest and greatest tech is not necessary for most people, so why do we buy stuff we don’t really need? If you use your laptop for simple tasks such as sending emails, reading blogs, or watching Netflix, there is no need to have the newest powerhouse; a mid-range laptop from the past five years should do the job. Regarding smartphones, if you just use them to play games, or update Instagram and Twitter, previous models would probably serve you just as well. For cameras, an amateur photographer or someone who takes photos for family and friends does not need the latest models, and a used one will be more than enough.
Buying Second-hand Is Good for The Environment
Consumer culture has a huge impact on the environment due to electronic waste. Millions of phones, laptops, computers, cameras, printers, modems, and other pieces of electronic equipment are thrown away every year. Each one of these items has the potential to release harmful chemicals to the environment; whether that is the landfill or run-off into the waters. Buying a second-hand or refurbished device diverts it away from landfills and avoids putting a new device into circulation.
Pay Attention When to Buy
No matter if you are hunting for a gaming console, laptop, or smartphone, you will get a better deal from buying an older, second-hand model when there is a new product launch. Across every tech sector, from smartphones to laptops, it is the universal truth! Why? The secondhand price of last year’s iPhone will drop as soon as this year’s model appears. Prices also usually soften whenever a rival, like Samsung or LG, launches a new product.
The Best Places to Buy Second-Hand
When buying pre-owned electronics, you should stick to a certified dealer. Although the internet is full of tempting, very low-cost deals, try to find a platform with trusted online payment, positive reviews, and a good return policy.
At Faircado, we have partners that offer a great shopping experience. They also provide information on the status of their products, helping you understand the condition of their second-hand offerings. In shopping with Faircado, you can be more confident in your second-hand purchases while helping save the planet.
For further reading, “Sustainable Life Style” gives you some ideas on how you can make your home more sustainable and save you lots of money on your next energy bill. For more ideas on sustainable living or book recommendations, check out our Magazine.
