3 Ways That Buying Second Hand Can Improve Your Family’s Life

In 2017,  it was reported that “the second-hand market account[ed] for around 14 percent of London‘s retail establishments.” This number grew 5% over the previous year, as those in the UK continue to seek out everyday items that have been previously used. While you are already aware of the many obvious ways of improving the quality of life for your family, it may not seem likely that buying pre-owned products could achieve this goal. However, there are a handful of ways that buying second hand can greatly improve the world around you. Explore the ways that pre-owned purchases can significantly change your family’s life.

Buying second hand can save you thousands each year

Perhaps the most obvious benefit to buying second hand is the major savings you will experience. Whether buying a used vehicle, clothing, kitchen supplies, or books, you can expect to save thousands of pounds every year. This is life-changing in that you can use these funds to pay off debt, go on holiday, or save for your child’s education. While the exact amount you save will vary depending on the individual needs of your family, experts recommend buying certain items used rather than new. The list includes things such as maternity wear, bicycles, children’s clothing, cars, toys, and furniture.

Reduces your impact on the environment

Experts have estimated that England now has 6.8 years left of non-hazardous landfill life, based on 2016 inputs, according to the Environment Agency. This statistic alone shows the environmental crisis that just a portion of the UK could face in the next few years. What is filling these landfills at such a rapid rate? In addition to common disposable items, everyday items such as shirts, electronics, and furniture are tossed away with no consideration for the environmental consequences. For those who seek to preserve the world for future generations, buying second hand can alleviate this problem. Rather than throwing items away, donating and purchasing from local second- hand stores can keep common products out of landfills. This helps ensure a cleaner environment for your children.

Impacts your community and nonprofit organisations

Many stores that sell second-hand items use their profits for good. From supporting workers to helping local causes, you can directly impact your local community and nonprofit organisations with your purchase of pre-owned items. This small shift in your spending can teach your children the lifelong lesson of supporting important causes, and of reusing various appliances, toys, furniture, and more.

Although it may seem insignificant on the surface, buying second hand is crucial for your family. From teaching your children the importance of supporting various causes to saving thousands of pounds each year, purchasing pre-owned over new has a tremendous amount of benefits.