Blog Archives

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Recycling Junk

Often after a big garage sale or estate sale there’s a lot of “junk” that needs to be disposed of. A concern many share is that this junk will wind up in a landfill and harm the environment in some capacity. Fortunately there are brilliant companies and entrepreneurs who are creating new ways to recycle many common household items that become junk. You can be assured when you contact 1-800-GOT-JUNK? (we highly recommend this junk removal service), that your junk will be properly handled and recycled. They’ve even taken extra steps to “compartmentalize” items in their trucks so that each section will be sure to arrive at the proper recycle station at your area landfills.

According to 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, more than 60% of what they collect is recycled, and that number is higher in some regions where landfill recycling technology is more advanced.

Have you ever wondered what the most commonly recycled junk is? Here’s a short list, and chances are you’ve got some of this “junk” hanging around your home – taking up space – time to recycle it!

Green Waste - yard trimmings, trees, branches, grass, trunks, shrubbery and brush

Household Items – food waste, packaging, clothing, light bulbs, magazines, books

Construction/Demolition Debris – lumber, concrete, asphalt, masonry, wallboard, roofing, insulation, carpeting, fly ash, clay bricks

Metal – iron, steel, aluminum, copper, stainless steel

Glass – bottles, building glazing, automobile glass

Plastics – packaging, bottles, empty drums, mixed plastics, HDPE, LDPE, PET

Paper/Paperboard – office paper, newspaper, corrugated cardboard, paper packaging, phonebooks, medium-density fiberboard, mixed paper

Tires – on-road and off-road vehicle tires

Universal Waste – CRT monitors, computers, electronics, fluorescent tubes, batteries, aerosol cans, personal computers, computer monitors

Appliances – stoves, fridges, freezers

Keep in mind most junk removal companies will not pick up hazardous materials such as paint or pool chemicals. Many municipalities have recycling days for things like paint cans and batteries, be sure you find out when these days are, sometimes there’s a small fee, but you’ll feel great about doing your part to save the environment and recycle your junk!

Don’t forget, if you have junk cluttering your home, give your friendly local 1-800-GOT-JUNK? company a call and they’ll happily help!

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Measuring your Carbon Footprint

Our blog, Second Hand Social, is not just about sharing awesome yard sale finds and featuring great ideas from those who work in the Second Hand Industry, we also want to educate our readers on how they can be proactive in environmentally conscious living. We’re not sure how many bonus points you get if you regularly shop thrift stores or buy tools and decorations for your home second hand, but we imagine the savings and feeling of shopping second hand feels pretty good to start! Inevitably, in going about daily life — commuting, sheltering our families, eating — each of us contributes to the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate change. Fortunately, there are many things each of us, as individuals, can do to reduce our carbon emissions. The choices we make in our homes, travel, food we eat, and what we buy and throw away all influence our carbon footprint and can help ensure a stable climate for future generations.

Experts have long suggested the most effective way to decrease a carbon footprint is to either decrease the amount of energy needed for production or decrease the dependence on carbon emitting fuels. Mitigation of carbon footprints through the development of alternative projects, (solar, wind energy or reforestation) represents one way of reducing a carbon footprint and is often known as Carbon offsetting.

Simply put, think about your upcoming purchases. Do you really need to buy that designer dress brand new or can you find it in a local Consignment Shop, possibly even half off? What about some gardening tools, how about shopping a couple Yard Sales or browsing for some used tools online that you can buy second hand? You can probably score big by shopping a Pawn Shop for some fancy electronics for your home! Remember, taking some small and simple steps to reusing, repurposing and recycling can make a huge difference in your carbon footprint and the environment. Do your best to help preserve and save our planet!

Want to measure your carbon footprint? Check this cool calculator from The Nature Conservancy!

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Buying Used Goods Saves the Planet

Buying second hand goods is the most friendly environment choice any consumer can make. Whether it’s books, clothes, furniture, decorations, media or kids toys, you’re sure to do your part for the environment by buying used.

Today we’ve outlined several reasons why buying used goods should always be your first option if you’re adamant about doing your part to conserve this precious planet’s resources.

  • Less Expensive – Purchasing used goods can be up to 90% less expensive than buying new items. Your purchasing power will go farther by buying pre-owned goods and if you’re a savvy shopper, you can probably score items that are in perfect or near-perfect condition – no one will ever know they’re used unless you tell them. Also, if you’re buying at a local garage sale or an item you saw online from a guy across town, you can skip paying any sales tax!

  • Conserving Energy – All products require a certain amount of resources to be consumed, from manufacturing to delivery. This includes farming cotton, clear-cutting forests, mining metals or pumping oil. We’ve all witnessed the horrible environmental consequences when resources are pumped, scraped and cut from our planet. Fortunately, buying used goods doesn’t require any new resources to be consumed.
  • Pollution-Free Lifestyle – Production of “stuff” just creates more pollution, including toxic chemicals, pesticides and carbon emissions. Did you know one new cotton T-Shirt is responsible for nearly 5 ounces of pesticides to be dumped into the cotton fields? One new mid-size car is responsible for 30,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere.
  • Forget the Packaging – New products require packaging, from shrink-wrap, plastic hard casing, cardboard boxes and styrofoam. The packaging materials require energy to create in addition to the production of the product. Not all the packaging is recyclable or reusable, so it gets tossed, contributing to more waste. Not only is it frustrating trying to open the packaging, but disposing of it in an environmentally friendly way is not always an option. However, the bright side is if you shop thrift stores, or buy second hand items from your neighbors next door or across town, you don’t have to deal with packaging!
  • Supporting Local Economies – Did you know buying used goods extends the life of the product and the planet and supports your local economy? Think about it, most thrift shops support a cause, so your money not only buys you a cool new “used” item, but also contributes to the well-being of others supported by the business. This is why shopping for items at your local yard sales, tag sales, estate sales, flea markets, pawn shops and consignment shops is so important, and fun! Keeping your money in town supports local businesses and keeps it from contributing to corporate waste.

  • Being “Green” is in Vogue – Simply put, recycling is is king and you avoid having to figure out greenwashing claims made by corporations. The money you save by buying pre-owned goods from accessories to clothes, books and media, will stretch your dollar and you can then go to the organic grocery store and support your local farmers. Lastly, don’t feel bad about making certain purchases of “new” items such as appliances with extraordinary energy efficiency or hybrid automobiles. These items can reduce your carbon footprint.

What’s the last “used” product you purchased that you use on a regular basis?

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Decorating on a Dime: Upcycling Style

We are excited to feature Morgan Roberts, owner and designer behind King Soleil, a boutique specializing in children’s wear and home decor. A main force behind her designs is using upcycled fabrics and materials, all of which she has found at thrift stores, flea markets, estate and yard sales. Morgan says re-creating recycled items allows her to create one of a kind, eco-friendly items infused with modern, chic and sophisticated elements. Shopping at tag, estate, and yard sales, thrift stores and vintage shops is not only cost efficient, but keeps King Soleil eco conscious and allows Morgan to do her part to keep it green.

1. Upcycled Crochet Cherry Tree Rug
I purchased the fabric used to make this rug at a thrift store in CT. Made from 100% cotton sheets, I paid $6.00 for the whole set and was able to make this three foot diameter rug. Featured in Inside Crochet Magazine, Upcycle Magazine, Cheap and Chic Nursery, and various online sites, it all started with money in my wallet and a thrift store find. This rug was created to bring some zen into a nursery or children’s room.

2. Upcycled Crochet Vintage Rolled Roses Rug
I purchased this 100% cotton vintage floral sheet set from an estate sale in CT for $8.00. I fell in love with the colors and knew immediately I would make the set into an accent rug. For the white rolled roses I used sheer curtains that I purchased at a thrift store in CT for $3.00. I also used this fabric for the trim on this rug. This accent rug could be places anywhere from a sun room, entryway, library, children’s room or nursery, or can be used to create a special nook all its own.

3. Upcycled Modern Dandelion Crochet Rug
This rug was made from curtains that I purchased at a thrift store in CT for $15.00. I was amazed at the weight of this fabric even though it has some sheer qualities. Creating a modern dandelion applique makes the once traditional curtains new, minimalist and modern. The neutral color scheme can be placed anywhere in the home.

4. Upcycled Fabric Embroidery Hoop Art Set
The fabric used for the backing and all collage elements in these embroidery hoops was purchased at estate sales, yard sales, and thrift stores in NY and CT. Each fabric piece cost between $3 to $5. I collect fabric from vintage clothing, pillows, linens, draperies, and more, and then create embroidery hoop sets. I am also able to reuse fabric for multiple hoops. This specific set was purchased for a nursery, but I also make hoops for anywhere in the home. They can be used as wall art, or propped on a shelf, bookcase, or windowsill.

5. Upcycled Fabric Embroidery Hoop Art
Created from a fabric scrap purchased at a yard sale for $2.00, this embroidery hoop art adds some spring flavor, a pop of pink, and a fun print into the home. Whether used for a nursery, or as a Mother’s Day gift, this hoop can be placed in various rooms in the house. Fabric scraps, linens, clothing, curtains, tablecloths and more can be turned into embroidery hoop art, able to be personalized with any design or font you can embroider.

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