Whether during Earth Month or anytime of the year, take some time to think about how your purchases can affect the environment. Shopping second hand with retailers like ReStore helps create a brighter, greener future all year long!
What happens to the items you buy once you’re finished with them? More often than not, they end up in a landfill. The pollution caused by manufacturing these items also negatively impacts the environment. Understanding the environmental costs of your purchases is an important part of being a responsible consumer, so let's take a look.
One of the reasons we buy so much in the first place is “planned obsolescence"–when a product is intentionally designed to fail or become outdated, pushing consumers to replace it rather than repair it. This includes everything from smartphones to furniture to fast fashion, all contributing to unnecessary waste.
While this strategy may be good for company profits, it’s terrible for the environment. According to the EPA, more than 12 million tons of furniture and home furnishings are discarded each year in the U.S., with more than 80% ending up in landfills. A large portion of disposed furniture is made of materials that are difficult to recycle, such as chemically treated particleboard and plastics.
It’s not just throwing things away that causes problems, either. The EPA states that the production of consumer goods, including energy, materials, and food, is a key contributor to U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, with manufacturing processes accounting for roughly 21% of emissions. Additionally, according to Our World in Data, the production of products and services significantly contributes to global CO2 emissions, underscoring the massive environmental impact of manufacturing processes.
Buying used instead of new. ReStore has a wide variety of furniture, building, and home improvement products that can give your home a fresh new look.
Repurpose and upcycle. ReStore can also be an excellent resource for your next DIY project! Take a look at this distressed-look dresser and learn how to do it yourself here.
Reduce waste through better disposal practices. The Hennepin County Zero-Waste Guide includes tips on how to determine which items you own are recyclable or compostable, how to store food so it stays fresh longer, and how to dispose of hazardous wastes.
Sustainability isn’t just a one-day effort—it’s a mindset that can make a difference every single day. At ReStore, we believe in making waste reduction a year-round habit by providing affordable, high-quality secondhand furniture, building materials, and home improvement items. Every purchase you make at ReStore helps keep usable goods out of landfills while supporting Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity’s mission to build and repair homes in our local community.
By choosing to shop secondhand, donate your gently used items, and repurpose materials, you play a direct role in reducing waste and lowering the demand for newly manufactured products. This helps conserve resources, reduce carbon emissions, and minimize landfill waste.
You can drop off your items at one of our store locations, or request a pickup via our online scheduling tool. You can schedule a free pickup or choose a quicker priority pickup for a fee. If you request a pickup, please fill out the donor satisfaction survey sent via email. Your feedback helps us make improvements to provide a wonderful experience for all of our generous donors. Thanks for partnering with ReStore to make a difference in our community and for our environment!