The Benefits of Thrifting - Erie News Now | WICU & WSEE in Erie, PA

The Benefits of Thrifting

As inflation continues to soar, people may be finding ways to keep their expenses low, and that includes shopping second hand.

Thrift shopping is a way to help people's wallets and the planet.

The act of thrifting has become a hobby for many people as they look for the best deal or unique or name brand items for a fraction of the cost.
But it's also a huge help to people financially. Julie Zielinski, the Assistant Manager for the AM Vets Thrift store said, "The economy is a little rough lately so people like to go thrifting and if people don't donate things, then we don't have a store for people go thrifting in."

Staff at the AM Vets Thrift store sees business pick up in the spring and summer as people donate items when they clean out their homes and host garage sales. Not only does donating items prevent them from ending up in a landfill, but it also gives them a second chance at life.

The same goes for people who donate items to Goodwill, staff makes sure it doesn't go to waste. According to Paige Robinson, the Director of Human Services and Customer Service for Goodwill, "Everything that comes into the door is not going to end up in a landfill. We are going to take care of it and make sure it ends up where it's supposed to be."

They too believe that shopping second-hand helps fuel the economy and also promotes sustainability.  "Shopping second-hand and buying second-hand is really important for a circular economy. Every item that gets donated to Goodwill has a second chance at life, either in the stores being sold or being recycled and turned into new products", said Robinson.

Unwanted items getting a new life thanks to people's generosity.

All the money from the AM Vets Thrift Store goes to help veterans.

Meantime, Goodwill is gearing up for the Earth Day celebration and sale in April.