• @fresh
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    1410 months ago

    It’s unfortunate that life is increasingly unaffordable, but it’s an absolute win if we as a society shift to buying second hand and reusing things more often. I wish it wouldn’t be considered so shameful. Kids clothes in thrift stores are often in near new condition. We live in such a wasteful consumer society.

    • @[email protected]
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      1310 months ago

      Those used clothes are often more expensive than new.

      My wife and I try to shop for clothes for our kids at places like Once Upon a Child. We find George (Walmart) brand clothing there with prices higher than buying new at the local Walmart. There’s not a lot of incentive to recycle clothing when it’s priced like that.

      Value Village is picked clean… There are some “vintage” clothing stores nearby as well… they are shockingly expensive.

      It’s really difficult to try and recycle clothing and buy or source used clothing When it is priced at the same as or higher then brand new.

      • @[email protected]
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        510 months ago

        Have you tried a local Buy Nothing Group? Also can get a lot of stuff from kids clothing swaps.

        • @[email protected]
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          210 months ago

          I haven’t heard of this… took a look. There are two (Facebook) groups in the city I live in. I’d have to get a Facebook account to join. Hmmmm… will think about it. I’ve been avoiding Facebook since I disconnected from it a few years back.

          • @[email protected]
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            210 months ago

            Yes same. I wish people didn’t use Facebook. I keep mine around for some groups like this one, and sometimes for marketplace, but I’m not happy about it.

            That said, Buy Nothing is super useful, both for getting free stuff but also for unloading stuff in a way where you have some reason to think that it won’t immediately go into a landfill.

            • @[email protected]
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              210 months ago

              Yeah I can see that being useful. We are planning to sell the house in about 18-24 months (assuming things don’t totally collapse) and will have to start clearing out the cruft at some point. Things not good enough for a Craigslist sale, but still has life left if someone is creative.

              Still… sigh… Facebook…

      • @fresh
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        210 months ago

        I have noticed secondhand stores are getting more expensive. In my area, it’s still way cheaper for adults than new. For children, it’s more of a crapshoot, but it’s still hands down cheaper for more expensive durable items like coats, jackets, etc.