Notes On How Not To Lose It Thinking About The Earth, Sustainability and Tips On Becoming The Thrifter You Always Wanted To Be

I have a good friend who has depression and  anxiety and she recently told me again how the decline  of the physical world we live in is upsetting her. It's a reasonable fear to have. It's an ongoing worry to many of us.

I have to stop myself from thinking about it too much sometimes distracting myself with watching something something else like a movie or Britbox. The non-stop coverage of it is troubling. What can we do? It seems insurmountable and that we're already doomed. And doom has been on my mind for all of my life. What will happen? What can I do?

I believe individuals can do something to help lessen the effects and reduce our individual angst about the whole thing. So I say start where you are.

 I assembled a list that is aimed at getting by on the cheap at the same time.

SO HERE GOES

1. Recycle whatever you can in your home. This means having a box, container or bag in your kitchen to use as a recycling bin. Empty it when it gets full into the recycling bins where you live. You don't need to buy something special as a bin unless you want to. But do you really need that? And make that one of your personal mantras if you haven't already.  "Do I really need this?"

2. Which brings me to my next point. Live with less. This isn't always easy and there seems to be a little hoarder within me, perhaps all of us
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 I'm hooked on watching "Hoarders" and "Hoarding Buried Alive" and the other  British reality series like "Britain's Biggest Hoarders" and Brit reality series like  "Can't Pay? We'll Take it Away," "Slum Landlords, Nightmare Tenants. "Life on the Dole" is good. Sometimes re-watching many episodes.

 And if there's any shows that makes you want to tidy your place it's watching a show about cleaning up a mean hoard. I can't even sit still when I watch them. I walk around my place with my arms up chanting "Must Clean! Must Clean" like the zombie apocalypse just happened. It also makes me feel better about myself that I'm not where they are. (yet)

You can live with less. I fall into the "Buy more, Pay less" trap myself, which often ends up as "Pay More, Get A Lot of Useless Crap You Don't Need." Or "Looks great, costs less" which turns into "Looks cheap, costs more." "It takes a lot of money to look this cheap" and "Looks like a sneaker, feels like a pump."

Love thrifting, gotta thrift!  I think I sometimes I get a psychics urge to get off the light rail and find the thing that has just come to mind. I regret to share that many times I find it. Gotta buy all this stuff cuz it's cheap right? But whoa! Hold on there-  Did I buy this just because it was cheap? Am I going to get it home and pull it out right away and use it?  Put out it on my shelf or try it on again and wear it that day because I love it?

 Do I like it so much that I'd be willing to pay three times what I spent on it if I saw it somewhere else?

When thrifting, I grab everything that looks cool because I don't want that person close by getting it first- Hell no! And if somebody says to me "are you going to buy that?" You better believe I'm  going to buy it now that you want it.

 My plan of action is when someone else is looking at something cool that I wish I'd seen first is to act disinterested and fall back a little and watch out of the corner of my eye if they put it in their cart or not. Much of the time they don't get it. This may sound a little self-defeating so bear with me.

When other people do get what you like and bring it up to the counter to buy it and take it out to their cars- Let It Go! Then it wasn't meant for you. Don't ruminate. Thrift and consignment stores wouldn't survive if other folks didn't go there and find something cool too. Everybody needs a score once in a while, the good kind of score.

Ask yourself  "Would I really want  that if the other person hadn't spied it first?"

Definitely there is the thrill of the hunt. Then ask yourself  "Do I really need it? Do I have a place for it? Is this a need or a want? If it is what I need, is it in the condition I want it in or is it going to be a big project to fix." 

If it's a want then ask yourself  "Is this going to bring joy into my life? Does it really "speak" to me?Will I use it everyday? Look at it everyday on my table or counter? Okay then- take it out.

Then before your get that register- EDIT!

Start editing that cart. What can you really afford? And remember once more that while vintage things may be scarce, someone else may use it more and it just might really fit them or it's just what they went there to find. What if  hat complements their style  a lot more than yours? They've worked hard to complete their home when you're just standing there thinking "meh?"

Avoid buying clothes too small as a motivator  to loose weight unless you' find something mind-blowing. Truth be told you're really ambivalent about it aren't you? If it was just sitting there all by itself with no one interested in it would you still have to it? And YOU CAN'T HAVE EVERYTHING.

So you've got your goodies in your cart - EDIT AGAIN!

Keep Going. Remember the interview where Kurt Cobain said what really made him happy was when he didn't have much money, going to a thrift shop and finding some little treasure.

KEEP EDITING! 

Separate what you absolutely love and what you may not find anything like it again. Are you in the market for a  good, sturdy, comfy chair you could sit in everyday? What about a nice bedspread or comforter in the packaging, never used and when you're freezing a night?

What 's a maybe? And what IS definitely going back on the shelf? 

Don't buy things to give other people unless it's right before Christmas or their birthday is tomorrow and you know for a fact you'll see them in the next couple days. Is it really what they collect and what they've been talking about getting or is a "I guess this will do?" Buying stuff for other people when you don't see them often just ends up taking valuable space and fertilizing regrets.

Don't buy that Debbie Boone album because you think it's super ironic. Irony should not be a lifestyle. I had a good friend who did make a wall of shame in her dining room with pictures of Trini Lopez, Wayne Newton etc.

Another person's OT Project that went south may bring a chuckle and some well-earned empathy but the space in your place is precious. Leave it there. Some crafter who can recycle the materials from it would make a better fit .

Make a list ahead of time of what you can reasonably spend and check your favorite departments first for books, tee shirts, records, statues of the Virgin Mary or 1970's Leisure Suits.

Again don't buy that New Christy Minstrels album to be ironic. It's ironic for about five seconds.

You're at the register. Have second thoughts? You can always ask them then and there to put it back. You haven't bought it yet. There's a line? So what? Long lines happen. If it's something that's got to  re-shelved , well then you're creating work opportunities for the youth of America and much needed exercise for retired volunteers.

If there are things you've purchased but not in love with when you get them home, keep a donation bag going somewhere you can easily see it and bring it back next time you go.If just has to be out NOW- call a thrift store and see if they can schedule a pick up. Is there a charge for that? Promise yourself that you will go back and go straight to the drop-off and not shop. I'm going to be brutally honest- I have re-bought things that I have donated.  I'm not proud of it but there it is.

If it's something electronic ask to plug it in and make sure it works. If they act exasperated, ask anyway. You're supporting their business. I've bought cool, old lamps and lugged them home only to find the cords don't work and it will cost a fortune to rewire them.  Just don't do it.

I  personally wouldn't wear something or use something from a thrift store without washing it first because well- gross! Unless it's still in the packaging. I have a couple friends who found their bridal gowns there and brought them home steamed,  repaired them and took them to the dry cleaner. That saved them an incredible amount of money. And they got something they really liked.

The downtown Minneapolis Salvation Army Store has things in the basement that are brand new from Target that didn't sell well that season. It can be a goldmine. See if there's a main store near you, check it out.

If you're in a tight spot and starting over from scratch, contact a church-run thrift store that assists those coming out of hospitals or treatment and prison.. They might help you get back on your feet for a nominal cost or for free. Some do. If they don't ask for referrals for someplace else.

Good shelves that aren't particle board are hard to come by. But you can always find boards and bricks. It's now called Boho.

There must be endorphins released when we find that perfect score. A lot of endorphins. And a great score is something you tell other people about usually while omitting the location of the store unless they're a good friend. Let's face it- A Score's a Score!

Keep in mind, there are people with means who like giving nice things they don't use to a charity. Why not help them feel good about themselves?

There is also an organization called "Bridging" located in Bloomington Minnesota that is a church sponsored charity providing people who are getting back on their feet with an entire household: furniture in good quality, linens, microwaves and kitchen items. You go there once and you choose what you want. Once is it so choose well. You might need a referral from another agency or a  social worker to go.

I don't know it they have other locations in the United States but it's worth looking into.

St. Stephens Church Outreach in south Minneapolis is a good organization to connect with and they publish an annual resources guide. Calling your local NAMI office might be a good place to find resources.

Let me mention there are very occasionally items you come across at a thrift store that may be very collectible antiques and worth some money. That can include vintage children's clothing in good condition,vintage toys for children also in gently worn condition.

Stores are filled to the brim with recently used children's clothing so check it out if you have kids and need affordable clothes. There are furniture  pieces (I've lugged things home on the bus and the light  rail) that might  bring in some cash. Do your homework.

I pined for a gigantic mid-century modern desk once. It was enormous.Vintage rocking horses and vintage suitcases in good condition are hot ticket items.  Vintage suitcases can double as side or coffee tables. They're also good for storage. It's worth looking into what's on Etsy and Youtube that people are getting excited over.

Finding someone legit to sell it to like an antique dealer presents another roadblock. They know you need cash and will low-ball you as much as they can. Don't hesitate to walk out then. There are other forums such as Etsy and Facebook Marketplace. They might make a higher offer.

So there goes the  thrifting part out of the way. Stay tuned for more on this. A word of caution though. I once was the assistant manager of a church-run thrift store having first dibs on everything and ended up with stuff overflowing into my vestibule.

The dollar store can be a great place for cheap stuff that may not look like cheap stuff for organizing and decor and so much more.

The other half of me is a wanna be minimalist. Letting go of things can be very liberating and you don't have to go to severe austerity if you don't want to. The few things I have left from my Mother and my Grandmothers and great-grandmother I don't think I can part with. I like my old photos. They are the best reminders and I pull them out and put them up somewhere and they are also great to use as writing prompts. I even have like old photographs of people I never knew. I would call myself an anxious "mediumilist."

And really do you have to have the latest iphone or plasma television? You can watch TV from your laptop if you're willing to give up surround sound and a much bigger picture. It's not that bad if  you can do it and might help you to watch less TV.

3. This also ties into the previous category. Use what you have and re-purpose what you can. Need jars to store things in? Wash and reuse that jar of Newman's Own Marinara sauce. Even clean Haagen-Dazs containers can be a cheap readily available way to store beans, pasta and rice in. Wax Paper is  a great alternative to cling wrap and foil. It's cheap too. Bell canning jars are inexpensive and come in packs. They look a bit better.

Buy bay leaves where you buy groceries. Stick one in, put some wax paper under the lid. and ta dah! These make-shift storage containers are good for sugar and salt. A trick my Mom gave me is to put a rice  rice grains in a salt shaker to take the moisture out, pouring so it pours easily. Does your larder really have to look like Martha Stewart's?

Old tee shirts and socks make excellent cleaning  rags when  absolutely have to give them up. They make great soft cloths for drippy noses, make-shift pot holders and really make-shift anything.. 

What do you realistically wear in your closet? Have you worn an item in the last year or even the last two years? My friends and I have a clothing swap part every new season.

4. Can you make it? Need a box for an organizer? Use one you have. You can always decopage it with Mod Podge from the craft store and old magazines. (Be careful in craft stores!)

Got holes in your jeans find an old patch on something else with it on that you don't wear and transfer it. Then when you're favorite item of clothing is no longer wearable then you can upcycle it. Can't afford book shelves? They do show up at your local thrift store but you can always make them from found items like an old board and some bricks. Throw an old bed spread or afghan over you less than perfect couch.

Make friends with a glue gun.

Want to put some art on your wall? Don't buy boring and new. Make a collage. Find some water colors. Do you have children or nieces and nephews or friends with children?  See if they could make you  a picture. Thrift stores ( someone stop me!) often get cool pictures or good sturdy mirrors. The idea is to DIY what you can. Original art is sustainable and it's pleasing. It doesn't have to be an original Duchamp does it? Better yet find a kitchen stool somewhere and put a bicycle wheel on it. Voila! Duchamp. Do you want to be a mindless consumer or do you like dancing to your own beat?

Remember you want your space to be neat and orderly it doesn't have to look like it's from the pages of Architectural Digest does it?

5. Keeping on reading. Even reading a comic helps you learn things. Get a library card or thrift your books. Some independent bookstores have bargain carts outside. Try to thrift an old magazine. I like reading used copies of the New Yorker. I have a special fondness for the blurbs about the current plays and restaurants. I read those many times in the orthodontist's office back in the days.

6. Keep your teeth healthy. Floss and brush them daily. There are dentists who donate part of their time for people who can't afford a dentist or when there's an emergency. Dentures can hurt and buying the things you need for them can add up. Get a new tooth brush when the one you have gets gnarly. Old tooth brushes are great for cleaning grout and hard to reach surfaces. They can be washed afterwards to reuse them. Now I'm going to come clean. I love using disinfectant wipes as I picture them piling up in a dump reaching to the moon and back.

Lemons, vinegar and salt are great and cheap things for cleaning your house. When I keep my place clean and tidy it helps my mind. It makes life simpler and less stressful. I can find everything and the clean smells are a signal to my brain that everything's  nice and clean and orderly.

7. Got a gym membership? Great. Do you use it a lot? Then walking is free, it's good for losing weight and it really helps the  mind. You don't have to pay someone to stretch, do push ups or jumping jacks in your own home. Not motivated? I can relate. Put on a Youtube video about exercising at home. And yeah- I gotta admit not even that can get me motivated a lot of the time. I have big fitness plans but.....

In the city I live there are two ballet companies that offer classes for adults. Ballet shoes are not needed. The drop-in fees for both is $10.00 for instruction at the barre and $15.00 for barre and floor instruction. That's a great workout, a chance to be around other people, dirt cheap. 

8. Own a car? Do you really need it to get to work or do you live out in the middle of nowhere?

Cars are money pits. They need constant upkeep with  huge costs sometimes monthly. Public transportation is cheap. If you don't mind loud noise and the occasional public freak-out. I suggest bringing a book to read and/or wearing headphones.

I try to remain courteous and respectful on public transport but I affect a persona of "Leave me alone cuz I don't want to engage with you."  And while my bad assness may be a thin veneer I also perfect the annoyed schoolmarm vibe; raising my left eyebrow up to the bus ceiling. To me there's anxiety and then there's Bus Anxiety.

9. Try to make a realistic budget. Review it and keep it handy. Amend it when needed. 

10. Set goals. And yes I get very unmotivated about trying to motivate myself to set goals. Writing in a journal costs nothing. I use lined math notebooks from the drug store. Set goals in the morning.  it doesn't have to be well thought out or well written. Review daily goals at night and set weekly, monthly and yearly goals. In the words of Emily Dickinson, "some years are answers, some years are questions." If you didn't get done what you wanted to do realize that you got through the day and "tomorrow's another day."

Set the intention in your mind to set a goal. Make a handbook with what you need to do daily, bi weekly, weekly and keep it out.

11. Coffee! (or tea?) Studies somewhere have shown that drinking coffee can with help depression. The people who get paid tons of money to conduct these studies don't know if it's what's in the coffee or the warmth and smell? 

 It could also be that the act of going out to get coffee and drinking it with other people around. I need coffee from my "local" as the Brits say. But I keep coffee at home too.

Someone once told me how they were given a smell and taste test between expensive coffee and Folger's Kona and picked the Folger's. Coffee IS personal. I've improvised making drip coffee at home with hot water and a paper towel for a filter. 

But sometimes I just want good coffee dammit! Try and head for the nearest independent coffee house and avoid the big chains. Find a coffee house you like that's nearby, get your coffee there regularly and treat yourself. The more they know you the more people will interact with you, helping you feel less isolated. 

Try not to irritate your barista. You can't sit at a table all day without getting at least a refill. Don't sit for hours at that big table prominently placed. in the front window. And you can bring your journal or a copy of that dog-eared New Yorker you found. Some thrift store have free magazines. There may be copies of that days newspapers laying around. 

12. You don't need soda. Drink water. Coke is bad for you.

13. This one may sound counter-intuitive too. If you have a companion animal don't scrimp on them. There are so many positive aspects of having an animal living with you. The company the provide is priceless and they provide protection. Even cats. If a cat perks up, you know it's for a reason. If you are moving to a new place where they don't allow pets see if they will allow an Emotional Support Animal if you have a note from a doctor.

I'm reminded of the oft-used hippie peace-nik phrase the nuns at my college throw around, "live simply so others can simply live."  But sometimes I want other people to live knowing they should leave me alone. (Let me put on my hair shirt on here.)

Make a game of it. See how much you can save per week. Reward yourself with a little treat for all the days you refrained from gratuitous spending. Walk to the corner and get a good cup of coffee.

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Regarding the possible- coming to a city near you pandemic. Don't panic, prepare. Washing your hands is the best first line of defense. Wash well and often. Face masks are getting to be in short supply so in the meantime cover your mouth and nose with a scarf. Me personally- if I look like a freak in public I'm so beyond caring. If someone is not sneezing or coughing into their sleeve, move. 

Remember most people do recover.

Don't worry too much. It might just work out. I have faith in you.

Rosey