The joys of buying second hand [AD]

As a society, our wariness of consumerism is increasing. Buying new things to keep up with fashion or because what we already own is slightly worn doesn’t sit comfortably. Yet nothing lasts forever. Certain purchases will need to be regularly upgraded. The house that is no longer big enough for an expanding family. Clothes that are beyond repair or no longer fit. And a family car that is not reliable enough to give you confidence that you’ll be home on time. So what is the best way of balancing comfort with anti-consumerism? Buying second hand might just be the answer.

Embracing vintage and accepting pre-loved

As a child, hand-me-downs were the norm. Not just between siblings but when clothes had served the whole family well, they’d be passed on to cousins or friends if there was still life left in them. Perhaps that was a sign of the times or financial circumstances. These days though, the hand-me-down tradition seems to be coming full circle. Facebook marketplace and Ebay offer platforms for parents to pass on pre-loved clothes or grab a bargain. Vintage shops are springing up everywhere and charity shops are no longer the preserve of the student looking for dressing up gear.

All of a sudden, vintage clothes are worth more than they cost originally. A second hand bargain is just as good as a brand new one and one person’s trash really is another person’s treasure. As well as the obvious advantage to the bargain hunter, buying second hand is a huge benefit to the environment. Less waste will find its way to landfill while manufacturers of cheap, immorally manufactured products find themselves battling against charity shops and online sellers of second hand goods to attract the attention of the bargain hunter.

Buying bigger goods second hand

One used item that has always been popular is second hand cars. Buying used cars is not only more ecologically sound but essential for sustainability both environmentally and economically. A used car naturally comes with a lower price tag. This opens up the playing field for lower income households to consider greener vehicles thus reducing both their carbon footprint and their outgoings.

These days, both electric and hybrid cars offer lower fuel consumption, thereby reducing the cost of day to day life. It is somewhat ironic that when purchased new, these vehicles are out of the price range of those of us who could really do with saving money. Thankfully when purchased second hand, small electric cars such as those produced by Nissan become more affordable. If you would love to buy an electric car, do have a look at the used car options locally. KAP Motors offer used Nissan cars for sale in Brighton. Check them out today!