Time to go shopping ? While that might be exhilarating to some, it will actually feel like a burden to others. Most of us have different feelings and approaches when it comes to buying. And there is no right or wrong in doing so. Once again, it all comes down to adjusting to our reality. Being true to our lifestyle, and in the end feel comfortable with our choice. As for me ? Here is my take on used or new, my two cents on which item will eventually come home.

Understanding The Market Value.

As an irreclaimable thrifter—or shall we just say enthusiast—whenever I get a chance to visit a second-hand store, I keep an eye out for the odd thing. The item that might be a perfect match for a special occasion or a special someone. Something that has just enough flair for a particular space. A unique article or something that has been under the radar for a while but was never found in the “new” market.

Sometimes, though, I tend to find that prices are set a little too high for certain pieces which, I believe, are simply not worth it. Understandably, as time goes by, and with hours of foraging under the belt, any avid thrifter tends to develop some kind of wisdom for a certain line of products that catches our interest. A sense rather than true knowledge for some, a real encyclopedic proficiency for others. But, regardless, we usually get a sound understanding of the fields that appeal to us and it gives us a good idea of the value of things. But I also tend to think that the over-affordability of some articles found at brand discount stores is appalling. Which could seem rather contradictory, and yet…

The Sustainable Aspect.

As we aim towards a greener future and embrace the concept of sustainability, low prices actually become too environmentally costly to afford. An over-affordability triggering a frightening over-consumption and a market for disposable bursting at the seams.

Now, a few years back, I was having a discussion on addressing this particular challenge (prices too low in the “new” market) versus the overall price increase of products available at a local thrift store. I was asked if, finding the same generic item in both places, for the same price, I would buy it second-hand, used, or decide to purchase it new. I found the topic really interesting and quite daunting to say the truth, as it brought up some questioning and soul searching.

First Glance at Second Hand.

The fact is that I highly value second-hand articles, of all kinds. I enjoy being able to give an item a second chance, a second life. Extend their use as much as possible. And I certainly pride myself in playing an active role in diverting something from the dump when it makes sense to do so. I am rooting for repair at the expense of disposable and impulsive replacement. But comparing two of the exact same products—clearly both having been mass-produced in a factory, in our decade, no heritage or artisan value underlying—had me take into account the aspect of their active lifespan.

The Lifespan Aspect.

In my quest to prioritize quality versus quantity, I believe that an article with a longer functioning lifespan will prevail. The reason ? Well, its useful life will be the longest. And therefore it will not have to be replaced as soon as another one would if it had been already used. So, at first glance, the new article—with the longest functioning hours remaining—would tend to gain my vote. Not to mention my inability to see how the used item was cared for in its first life, which might further affect the remainder of his usability.

On the other hand, as previously mentioned, I firmly believe in extending the life of our things in general. Stretching as far as possible the initial purpose of their creation.

Displaying Dilemma.

After all, the used item has already been produced. It is here, readily available. And it will not have to be replaced on the shelf once I buy it. It is simply displayed in a store with no set inventory. Simply stocked with random existing products that people dropped off when donating their belongings. And that very aspect, to me, was key to the answer as to which of the two choices given to me would prevail. So used or new, my two cents on which would win my vote ? In the end it all came down to my beliefs and motivations. And to my vision of sustainability overall.

I realized that the very fact that the item would not have to be replaced in the store’s inventory—and therefore NOT activate the incessant process of ordering-producing-packaging-shipping-storing inherent to mass production, as seen in The Journey of Things—would make me choose the used item over the new one. Even at the same price, even if the inherent value of the used option was lesser, even if its lifespan would likely be shorter.

Taking Responsibility For Our Decisions.

Clearly there will be no guarantee on how long the item will work for me. But neither was there for the discount store version since their articles, although new, are considered final sale. And yes, I very well might have to replace it sooner or later, for malfunctioning. But it is an informed choice. And the fact that I was able to avoid triggering mass-production this time, or at the very least postpone it, no matter how humbly, turns out to be sufficient for me to justify my choice.

Now this decision was for an article of common use, static shall we say. But what would happen for some kind of equipment. Something requiring a source of energy and/or a mechanical system to function : a car perhaps ? A lawn mower, a water heater, a freezer, an electric shaver, a fan ? Well, the answer will be slightly different depending on the unit. Because the stakes will be different.

Factors To Consider.

Is a used car better, ecologically speaking, than a new one ? It all depends on its age and condition. The maintenance it has received over time and the drivers it has seen. It depends on the power source it requires, the modifications it got over the years, etc. A new vehicle will have taken a tremendous amount of materials and energy to get here. And it will need to be replaced in the dealership’s lot if I buy it while the used one won’t trigger new production. But then again the performance of the used car will likely be less environmentally friendly than its new counterpart.

Also is it better to invest in a new concept using clean energies ? Of course, that would be ideal ! But first of all is it feasible ? Is it available, is the investment even possible for our wallet ? And then, how will new technologies age ? Are we satisfied with the information provided to us and do we have all the cards in hand to make this decision ? How are our choices influenced by the well-being of our community and our society at large ?

Buying a used or a new lawn mower ? Let’s start by asking with what type of energy is it propelled ? Electric, gas ? Battery ? For a used one, are the batteries in good condition ? Is the model obsolete, is the charger reliable, can it be replaced if necessary ? And anyway, is our property suitable for a limited mowing autonomy ? Does the system itself make sense ? Now, is a new gas mower worth the purchase with the prices skyrocketing lately ? Would the used one have leaks, would it be noisier ? So many factors to assess…

Tailored Choices For Custom Pieces.

It is therefore obvious that in the majority of cases there are many aspects to consider in order to make an informed, reasonable and non-regretful decision. Much more complicated than the simple matter of replacing the item on a shelf at the store. And much deeper than the simple aesthetic or financial or politically correct factor.

But the fact remains that the second-hand market is a viable option—and very often the most advantageous option—when time comes to shop for basic items of our daily life. The used market has a lot to offer and there is much more to it than just thrifting. And let’s not forget that thrifting is understandably not the best fit for everyone. Either you like it, or you don’t. And either way, that is absolutely fine.

Exploring Local Options.

Now, for anyone interested in buying second hand there are so many options to chose from. From easy-to-navigate local online marketplaces to accessible social groups offering and seeking particular pieces, from the casual garage sales with their very own dynamics to more elaborate auctions and estate sales, loads of options are available out there. And taking into consideration the second-hand market is a great move towards sustainability, giving ourselves a chance to briefly step aside from the over-stimulating global consumerism.

So explore your local marketplaces. Nova Scotia has so much to offer and choices are second to none when it comes to secondhand. There are a ton of little shops just waiting for you to come visit and luckily find what you need, in the most eco-responsible and frugal way.

And to finish and explore just a little bit further, in my initial quest to find the right answer and determine whether to purchase the said article used or new, I should have started by asking myself the right question in the first place : should this item even go home with me ? Another million dollar question, another two cents answer…