Each year, Americans discard millions of pounds of reusable items in landfills—attributing to polution across the United States. Reusing, donating or selling these items has the potential to save money if you reuse the item, place more money in your pocket when you sell it, or earn a tax credit from the Federal Government when you donate it to a charity or organizaiton.

Choosing to reuse offers so many more options than buying new from a consumer standpoint. Many times it gives you the opportunity to have a one-of-a-kind item while saving money and the Earth's resources at the same time.

If you need a piece of furniture and even though the items do no match exactly what you already have at home, purchasing a used piece gives you the opportunity to have:

• A one-of-a-kind piece. You can refinish, paint or re-purpose the item to fit exactly what you need.
• Get in touch with your creative side through self-expression. Research books at the library or on the Internet for different paint treatments and styles.
• The chance to correct your mistakes. If you do not like how the piece turns out, re-do it again and again until you you are happy with the results.

When you purchase clothing at second-hand and thrift stores, it provides support to your local community in a meaningful way. If you do not like the fact that someone else wore that article of clothing before, consider this: when trying on clothes, do you know who tried them on before?

These types of stores are an excellent place to find children’s clothing since they outgrow them so quickly. And if you have never shopped at these types of stores, here are some helpful hints:

• Be prepared to rummage;
• Usually clothes are color coded, so if you are in the market for a particular color blouse; you can browse through those colors;
• Do not be disappointed if you do not find anything that you like, there is always next time;
• Check the garment for stains, rips, zippers that do not work, etc. Most things are perfectly fine; however, it would be wise to check them.

When you begin to recycle used items, you will look at old and tattered things in a whole new light—you will see their potential in your mind beforehand. and will only be limited by your imagination and creativity.