Today has springtime written all over it—even here in Northwest Ohio. It’s warm, sunny and my tulips are growing taller by the day! When I think of spring, the color green often comes to mind. There are a number of possible explanations for this. Perhaps, I’m envisioning a fresh-cut lawn, budding leaves or simply remembering the crayon from the big box of Crayola’s labeled “Spring Green.”
Yes, spring makes me think of the color green. But, when I think of the color green, my
mind immediately shifts to being environmentally responsible, a value I hold
dearly. I’m an avid recycler, turn
off lights and appliances when I’m not using them, and limit the use of my
vehicle where possible. But
there’s more…I shop.
“What?” you ask, “does shopping have to do with saving our
planet?” So glad you asked! Let's start with my wardrobe and how I shop. Over time, I have built a wardrobe
consisting of well-made, treasured staple pieces.
Much of what I own is black, white or beige. So, my favorite thing to do is jazz up those staples (say a
black pencil skirt and fitted white tee) with fabulous accessories. Enter silk scarves, vintage jewelry, designer belts,
etc. I also like to mix my staples
with interesting separates (mostly vintage); for example, a leopard-print
tunic, leather blazer or to-die-for wrap dress. A good deal of my accessories and add-on separates were secured at
vintage, thrift, re-sale and consignment shops (these sources offer the most
unique quality buys—often at very low prices).
Now, onto the green of the matter… You see, when I buy
vintage, second-hand and resale, I recycle (It all fits nicely into the whole
“reduce, reuse and recycle” theme.).
So, buying second-hand (in any form) is responsible as it supports the
market for these items (letting the cycle of recycling continue onward!). And, shopping (responsibly)
definitely brings to mind something we femmes are often drawn to—hence, the color
pink comes to mind (smile!).
During my recent closet cleaning adventure, I established
two stacks of giveaway items: one for donation to the local thrift shop and the
other to take and sell at a consignment shop downtown. This method of weeding out the unwanted
saved the county landfill about three large bags of what could have been throw-away items (all of
them quite reusable!). An added
bonus: I gave my once-cherished beauties the opportunity to be loved by another
(something this re-sale girl can totally relate to!).
In closing, I’ll say a
bit about the lovely brooch pictured above… While dropping off my unwanted
clothing at the local consignment shop the other day, I picked up this fab milk
glass brooch for $5! She had a $10
price tag on her but when the shop owner pulled the little sweetie out of the
display case, she informed me, “Looks like this one’s 50% off this week.” Oh, and BTW, did I mention that it’s
vintage?!? Who knew being
environmentally responsible could be so fun, and that green and pink could
compliment each other so well? ;) T.
