6 everyday things you realise know were actually second-hand
December 9, 2020 | Repair, Re-use & Recycle | No comments
Question – why do you trust a second-hand parachute but not a second-hand TV?
Truth is, there are so many things in our lives that we use every day that are actually second-hand and we just don’t think anything of it. So, why should second-hand appliances, clothing, gadgets or gifts be seen as any different?
Here are a few things you probably don’t even think of as second-hand, but they are!
Parachute or Harness
If you’ve been skydiving or bungee jumping, did you think about how many people had used the equipment before you? We’re guessing the answer is no. These have been used hundreds of times and this is, in fact, quite comforting. No one wants to jump out of a plane with a brand new parachute!
Christmas Decorations
Do you buy a whole load of new Christmas decorations every year? Or do you cherish the ones you have, give them a clean up before using them and cherish the memories they have? Items like these are second-hand but they are precious to us so we look after them and make them last for years.
House
Unless you live in a new-build, your home is second-hand! It will have housed many other residents before you and may even date back years. But do we class it as such? No, because actually there is something quite comforting in knowing your home has been loved and cherished with memories made by so many others too.
Car
Similar to your home, you’re probably not the first person to sit behind the wheel of your motor (unless you’re pretty swanky.) Does this mean there is anything wrong with it? Absolutely not! In fact, some people take pride in buying old cars and doing them up to look new. Much like appliances.
Suits
You’re looking swarve in your swanky suit that you’ve hired for the big night or important drinks. Do you think twice about the guy who wore it before you? No, you don’t, because it’s been cleaned, looks brand new and is a hell of a lot cheaper than buying a new one. Sound familiar?
Water
Yep, the water we drink is actually second-hand! All water is recycled and reused. Most recycled water comes from treated municipal wastewater or sewage, but I bet you don’t think about that every time you’re thirsty! It’s perfectly safe and perfectly healthy and we don’t even think about it being second-hand.
The moral of the story is that so many things we own or use every day are in fact second-hand but we just don’t think of it as such. So we shouldn’t shy away from anything else that is classed as second-hand. Second-hand items really aren’t just cheap or something to be looked down on, they are actually pre-loved items with a lot of life left in them.
Some, are as good as new or some may need to be fixed up a little, but by embracing these items and changing the stigma around second-hand, we can all help to stop so many perfectly good items from ending up in landfill.
Check out our blog on why it’s ok to give second-hand gifts this Christmas and get some great ideas for your loved ones too!
