The Story of Stuff... and Why I Thrift

My lovely Aunt shared with me this informative you tube video about the process of "stuff". The narrator details, in a very clear, simple, and concise manner, the life cycle of consumer goods.  She discusses such things as how these goods are produced, what toxins they use, how those toxins effect our health and environment, why they are so cheap, and why producing and buying them inadvertently poses serious risks and dangers to impoverished people around the globe.  This video is very eye-opening and extremely relevant.  As consumers, we all need to try our best to be more responsible for the choices we are making.  It's hard, I know.  There is just so much out there, right at our fingertips, staring us in the face everyday.  How could you know that buying that $4.99 plastic radio at Radioshack (an example from the video) could carry so many repercussions for people all over the world and for the planet? There is no label to tell you that.  I know sometimes it seems hopeless, like we are too insignificant to make any lasting changes, but little by little we can make a difference.  We can start by simply paying more attention to what we buy, and asking ourselves, "Do I really need this?"  Don't be daunted when you see that this video is 20 minutes! Just stick with it, it's worth it!


So many of the things discussed in this video, are reasons why I thrift as much as possible.  Whenever there is something I need around the house, I always check out the local Salvation Army before going anywhere else.  There are multiple benefits to shopping there or at Goodwill.  1. Repurposing unwanted "stuff", 2. Keeping "stuff" out of the landfills, 3. Finding cheap hidden treasures, 4. Giving money to a good cause.  Just recently, I needed a new toothbrush holder.. got a beautiful ceramic one at Salvation Army for 1 dollar.  I needed a flower pot for my basil plant... got it for 69 cents. I wanted to get Kai some little pots and pans  for his toy kitchen... got 'em for about 2 dollars, and not plastic ones either.. real ones, just tiny size! Kai needed a pair of summer shoes... got an adorable pair in new condition for $1.79. And just yesterday, I bought Kai his very first mini hot wheels skateboard (new they go for 25 dollars and up) for just 3.99, as well as 3 books in perfect condition for 25 cents each.  These are all convincing enough reasons to get thrifting, aren't they??