By: Debbie Fadel
When I think of the warm months of summer, many enjoyable activities come to mind. Some of these include gardening, biking, baseball games, swimming, and barbecues. Of course, let’s not forget visiting garage sales and thrift shops. Whether selling or purchasing, shopping and finding an unexpected treasure is an all-time favorite of both adults and children.
Seasonal ventures of any type of outdoor fun are entertaining and exciting. I love visiting and supporting local thrift shops and secondhand stores. Some of my favorite local thrifting spots include Attic to Basement Repeats in Tonawanda, Queen City Vintage in Buffalo, and Second Chic in both Buffalo and Williamsville. You can also keep your eyes peeled as you walk through your neighborhood for various signage pointing to yard and garage sales. You never know what you may find!
The thoughts of clearing out unneeded items, making a little extra revenue, and at the same time helping to preserve the environment provide incentives and positive avenues to reduce, reuse, and recycle! Old reasonably priced discarded items from a seller become useful and needed by the purchaser. This in turn assists in reducing the garbage that goes into landfills. Also, shopping locally helps to curb emissions from vehicles; an all-around “win win” for Mother Earth!
Selling, trading, or purchasing items at garage sales or thrift shops encourages connections between neighborhoods promoting a happy, healthy, and prosperous ecofriendly community. Not everyone may be fond of the idea of going out and interacting with other people. Thankfully, we have garage sales and marketplaces on social media that allow us to connect with those around us looking to get rid of their knick-knacks or belongings. Keep your eyes peeled on Facebook for digital sales of all kinds. You can also follow local “Buy Nothing” groups in your town or city, where individuals gift free items to others simply for the sake of giving a helping hand.
As the old saying goes, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” I hope you find something fun and new in your adventures around town this summer!