I used to buy everything new, whether from a physical store or online. It was easier and straightforward. Decide what you want, go to the store (physical or online), check the price tags, see if there are any promotions, select your items, pay, and voilà — you have your stuff. All in new boxes and bags, ready for you to unwrap and use. That’s how shopping should be, right?
Well, not quite — and there are many reasons why.
The two big ones for me are: it’s not friendly to your budget and it’s harmful to the climate. The price difference between new and used items is incredibly high, and the amount of waste our modern society produces is shockingly disgusting (just visit a waste processing facility to see for yourself).
So, the new ‘me’ now tries to find used items. I admit the change of habit is not easy and requires some rewiring of both muscle memory and mindset, but those preloved items (from books to electronics) make exactly the same impact on your life as if you had bought them new. Plus, they’re cheaper and better for the environment.
Therefore, my advice is: Buy second-hand.
