The Top Less Obvious Reasons to Buy Used Goods

My friend Rose just started a reading group with a blog, the Informal Society of Books and Notions. Now Rose, being from Oregon, is probably much more green savvy (and definitely more crafty) than I am. When she invited me into this group she posted a cute little letter on my door and encouraged purchases from independent book stores or used book sellers. The obvious reason of course is that books are cheaper this way as opposed to when you buy them brand spanking new. However, the not so obvious reasons are the really fascinating ones.

Below you will find the top less obvious reasons to buy used books (and used goods in general). Note how awesome it is that buying used products affects to many different parts of society.

Used products don't require new resources. Every good is responsible for amount of resources used. This includes anything from a tree to pumping gas to get a good from Point A to Point B. Most books and furniture require the cutting down of trees, in fact 95% of books are made with virgin paper. Used products don't require the destruction of any new resources.

Buying used goods supports the local economy. If you read my article The Best Tangerine You Will Ever Eat, you may remember that buying from local farmers markets helps boost the local economy as well as morale. The same concept applies for used goods. So spend your money where it counts the most, in your neighborhood.

No packaging required. Probably the greatest less obvious reason to buy used goods is that you don't have to tear through layers of annoying packaging. In addition, no packaging means that no new resources or energy were expended in merely covering up a product.

With that being said, I'm going to go enjoy my used copy of Ron Hansen's Mariette in Ecstasy and a cup of tea with the peace of mind that my purchase was indeed green. If you would like more tips please visit Peak Oil Hausfrau.