Borrow, Trade or Buy Pre-Loved ♥︎
When my kids were babies, I hoarded every gadget imaginable—jumpers, swings, bouncies—you name it! But inevitably, I realized they outgrew these items in a blink. Loaning them out to friends made me see just how fleeting their use was.
Even when it’s such a common experience to use things just a few times or for a few seasons, there's still a stigma around sharing or borrowing in some communities. For example, when I asked around to borrow a panini maker, many suggested I just buy one for $20. But, I've learned from my drawer full of hardly-used items and have vowed not to repeat the same wasteful mistakes—think fondue pot!
I recently shared my organized party cabinet with friends, urging them to "shop" at my place before buying. With friends who love hosting, we've got everything for a stellar soirée!
Watching my kids thrift and gift secondhand made me see the value in pre-owned. There's no shame in it—celebrity kids are even doing it! Let's normalize secondhand shopping; call it vintage and it's cool, right?
But honestly, our planet can't handle our waste. Let's promote a lifestyle of less overconsumption. According to the British Fashion Council, we have enough clothes for a century! Say no to "Shein hauls" and overconsumption trends. Let's be mindful of our planet.
Here are some places in LA and beyond where you can borrow items for free. Check them out—you'll be surprised!
Los Angeles County libraries: Borrow tools, instruments, hiking gear, movies, books, and more for free. (Many urban libraries have common items to borrow in their “tool library” or “library of things”!)
Craigslist and Freecycle: Find free items to reuse and keep good stuff out of landfills.
Facebook groups like "Ask, Borrow, Give" and "BuyNothing."
