At Big Reuse, secondhand shopping at our Reuse Center thrift stores is one way we keep useful materials in circulation and out of the waste stream. While clothing and furniture are often the first things people think of when shopping secondhand, everyday items can have just as much reuse potential. Buying used helps reduce demand for newly manufactured goods, cuts down on unnecessary packaging, and supports a culture where repair, reuse, and resourcefulness become part of daily life. Before buying something new, we can check what already exists. Here are five items we should always try to buy secondhand first.
1. Reusable Water Bottles💧
Forgot your water bottle at home? Heading to work, school, the gym, the park, or the beach? Before buying another brand-new bottle, check secondhand first. Reusable water bottles are among the items people often donate while they still have plenty of life left. Many are easy to clean, dishwasher-safe, and built to last. Buying one secondhand helps us avoid single-use plastic while keeping a durable item in use longer. It might seem like a small choice, but it really adds up over time. When more of us reuse what is already out there, we help reduce the need to make, package, ship, and eventually throw away new products. And who knows, we might even spot a favorite brand for just a few dollars.
2. Utensils🍴
Single-use utensils might be handy for a quick meal, but they usually end up in the trash right after. A secondhand fork, spoon, or reusable set can find a home in a lunch bag, desk drawer, backpack, or picnic basket, ready for whenever it is needed. Picking up utensils secondhand at a thrift store is a simple way to make reuse part of our daily routine. It helps cut down on disposable plastic and gives us something sturdy that can be washed and used again and again. Older utensils are often well-made, affordable, and just waiting for a second life. Instead of reaching for another plastic fork, try putting together a little reusable set that can travel wherever the day takes you.
3. Candles🕯️
Candles are one of those secondhand treasures that people sometimes overlook, but we would be surprised how many unused or gently used candles end up at thrift and reuse stores. They are perfect for cozy evenings, dinner tables, gifts, or adding a little warmth to a home any time of year. Choosing candles secondhand is an easy way to enjoy something beautiful without buying new. It also helps make sure these items are enjoyed fully before being tossed away. A candle does not need to be brand-new to bring warmth to a room.
4. Ceramic Containers🪴
Ceramic containers are among the best secondhand finds because they can be turned into almost anything. A mug can turn into a cheerful planter. A bowl can hold jewelry, keys, or office supplies. A vase can become the centerpiece of a table. A small dish can tidy up a bathroom counter. A crock can keep kitchen utensils handy. The possibilities really are endless. If we love plants, secondhand ceramics are a wonderful way to find new homes for our green friends. New planters can be pricey, but thrifted mugs, bowls, and containers add character to a space for a fraction of the cost. For collectors, artists, or anyone who enjoys something unique, secondhand ceramics bring a personality that new items just cannot match. Reuse is creative. It asks us to look at an item and imagine what else it could become.
5. Electric Cords🔌
Lost your phone charger again? Need an extension cord, adapter, or electronic cable? Before spending money on a brand-new one, take a look at what is available secondhand. Many cords, chargers, and electronic accessories are donated while they are still in good working order. Picking them up secondhand can save money and help keep useful electronics out of the waste stream. Just remember to check the condition, compatibility, and safety of any cord before bringing it home. If it looks worn or unsafe, it is best to leave it behind. But when we find the right one, we give a useful item another chance and skip an unnecessary new purchase.
Reuse Is Climate Action
Secondhand shopping helps us reduce waste, extend the life of everyday items, and support a stronger local reuse economy. Climate action can happen through simple choices, like pausing before buying new and checking secondhand first.
Visit Big Reuse at our Gowanus Reuse Center location at 1 12th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215, or our Bushwick Reuse Center location at 378 Troutman Street, Brooklyn, NY 11237. Inventory changes often, so every visit is a little different.
You can also check out our Instagram reel for more secondhand shopping inspiration.
Written by NYSERDA Climate Justice Fellow Tatiana Guerra