I love doing my share to help the environment by going to resale and thrift shops, and participating in freecycling--both giving and receiving.
So today, I stopped by the newest thrift shop in my city, which is the one above. Cool name, eh? Way Kool Thrift Store opened a month ago and the owner says they are very busy; I hope it continues that way. I'll be stopping by from time-to-time to see if anything interests me.
It's terrific to see so many thrift shops around. Not only can you save considerable money by buying unique and household items from secondhand stores, it's also good to contribute to the redistribution of products. And if or when you no longer have a need for one or more of your own possessions you always have a place to take them if the item is still in good condition.
Many forms of secondhand exchange have sprung up in recent years. Creative Reuse Centers, bike cooperatives that take donations of used bikes and components, Freecycle networks that connects thrifty locals through its Internet forums, and Car-sharing (in the UK known as car clubs) where people rent cars for short periods of time, often by the hour. They are attractive to customers who make only occasional use of a vehicle, as well as others who would like occasional access to a vehicle of a different type than they use day-to-day.