Foraging is Fun - Why Weekend Bargain Hunting is Hip and Green
By Sarah Hough
It’s early Saturday morning. You’ve gone through the daily ritual of green tea and meditation and the day is full of promise. You’ve got your favorite straw hat and comfortable shoes. You hop into your eco friendly car and drive through the local artsy historic district on the look out for hand made brightly colored signs with “yard” and “garage sale” painted on them. You’ve got a plan and know what you are looking for but most importantly you know that someone out there is getting rid of something you must have. If you are patient enough, the universe will always arrange for you to cross paths with it. That is why using the recycle, resell, and reuse philosophy is back and why foraging is a lost past time. Pack a basket of freshly made lemonade and treats to keep your energy up and get bargain hunting.
The reusing and recycling of items found at garage, yard, and antique sales is a fabulous way to begin protecting the planet. Beautiful objects can be scored anywhere if you look hard enough. For example, going to yard sales in historic neighborhoods can result in vintage finds. Habitat for Humanity has restore shops emerging with brilliant re-salvaged reusable items that can give your home character and charm. Some of these items include, furniture, lighting (all without packaging), and even antiques. All of which contributes to more home projects for the organization. Look online to find a restore shop near you. The French chairs seen in the Fort Lauderdale shop would have been any designers dream.
So you like to weekend forage, but many people are finding that the weekend jaunts become a lifestyle. Tips for using the reuse philosophy during the week are easy and endless. Pass on magazines you’ve read to doctor’s offices or cut out pictures for vision boards and school projects. Getting new silverware? Take your old set to work so people can reuse rather than eat off plastic. Better yet, carry a set in your purse to avoid overuse of plastic cutlery in fast food. Take last season’s clothes to the Good Will and while you are at it, see if the local Good Will has a vintage or boutique shop. Instant guilt free gratification. The Good Will in Palm Beach is more of a designer store. Regularly scan Craig’s List, E Bay, and visit your used book store for purchases on your wish list.
These tips to help you find your desires will help you hit the road and begin your foraging with clarity. Keep a journal of things you are on the hunt for. This can include books on your reading list and needs for the house. Put on your poker face and see what price fairly scores you your item. Ask for the price you are willing to pay. Negotiate. The four wicker chairs that no longer work in a newly renovated art deco house are perfect at twenty five dollars in your Key West style beach home. The best tip of all is know what you are looking for, wait patiently, and when you come across the item give thanks that the universe sent it your way. You’ve earned it. Now the best part is finding that perfect place in your home for it knowing the price was right, and you made a creative decision to promote reusing…pass it on.
|
Sarah Hough is passionate about the reuse, recycle, resell philosophy. She is a mother to a kindergardner, a student (nursing), a wife, and proud owner of the http://www.foragingisfun.com lifestyle community. The mission is to promote creativity, be better human beings, protect the environment, and serve others. |
