Is the Mall Dead?

There is an interesting article from Newsweek that would suggest that it is. The mall I worked at as a high school student (yes, I thought I was soooo cool!) is now 85% shuttered and slated for demolition to make way for a baseball park. A mere 15 years ago you couldn't get a parking spot and you might wait in line for a Cinnabon for 15 minutes. Today, the store I worked at is long closed, the restaurants are gone and a lone Kohls holds up one of the mall while a tired, old Macy's the other. Is this the end of the mall, or the end of consumerism, or just a by-product of a bad economy? Or, are the consumers hell-bent on the idea of buying "stuff" just looking to new venues to fill the void?

I am a big fan of Craigslist, the thrift stores and Freecycle and according to the article, the numbers are growing:

The Salvation Army has seen sales jump 15 percent at some locations, while The Freecycle Network, a clearing house for second-hand goods has grown from 40 people to around 6 million since its founding in 2003. Each day, the group says, it keeps 500 tons of stuff out of landfills and in use. Another second-hand movement, known as The Compact, where members commit to buying nothing new for an entire year (underwear excluded), has grown from 10 friends to 10,000 members since 2004. Even those who are still buying new are viewing shopping through a changed lens: almost 40 percent of people between the ages of 18 and 30 prefer to use brands that are "socially conscious"—environmentally safe and produced through fair labor.

I don't know about you, but I certainly don't want a lot of "consumers" driving up the prices at thrift stores or on Craigslist, only to throw away what they don't want or didn't need. I have looked to these places for years to find great reusable goods for Halloween costumes, back to school or holiday decorating. It's been great for the planet and good for the budget. It's a sustainable way of life, so "consumers" please think twice before you shop. Consider the planet, consider your budget and consider what you truly need. If you don't need it, don't buy it. Thank you.

Thrift Store or Toy Store?

Last month I was busy hitting all the thrift stores around town for back to school clothes. I scored pretty big, but picked up a couple of extra items along the way. The littlest eco 'burban boy tagged along on one trip and managed to hit the toy jackpot.

From the corner of the store I hear a little boy squeal of delight. Out of the depths of a basket he pulls a large monster truck emblazoned with "Grave Digger" in neon green lettering. I gamely try to talk him out of the toy, begging him to think of all the other trucks and cars stashed in his bedroom.

No dice. He's in love with monster trucks, much to my chagrin. (Ummm, I know very little about monster trucks, but something tells me they're NOT eco-friendly?!?) I check the price tag - $2.99. A bargain really, considering it most likely cost a good $30 or more with it's flashing lights and motorized actions. Grave Digger came home with us, and now takes up the most prize parking spot in the eco 'burban boy's bedroom.

This week is "My Favorite Thing" week at his preschool. Rather than choose an expensive remote controlled car, a fancy brand-new truck or even a favorite blankie, "Grave Digger" is going to school. I smile as I pack the truck into his backpack. Who knew $2.99 for a reused toy would bring him - and me - so much joy.

Make no mistakes, the thrift store isn't just for clothing. Sometimes it's the "Favorite Toy Store" too.

All this for under $50

What $18.50 buys you at the local Farmer's Market:

And, there is someone out there that knows I have been waiting to try out this recipe using the cauliflower and a little birdie told me what to make with those lovely white peaches! I can't wait, it sounds like a great meal to me!

What $31.25 will buy you at the local thrift store right across the street from the Market:

Again, all brand names, some new with tags and all in excellent condition. Polo, Gymboree, Old Navy, Nike and Gap, just to name a few. Nine shirts, three pairs of pants and one happy mom!

Now, why would you shop anywhere else?

Simple Shopping by the Numbers

What $19.50 buys you at the local Wednesday Farmer's Market:
Green beans, tomatoes, shell peas, carrots, green onions, red and yellow potatoes - all picked fresh! Now, will someone please tell me what to do with all those carrot tops?!?

What $17.00 buys you at the local thrift store located across the street from the market:

8 items, 3 brand new with tags, almost all brand name. What a great way to get in a little early back to school shopping without driving anywhere.

Total shopping cost? $36.50 Crazy, isn't it?? The same shopping trip for the same items at a major retail venue? Probably more than $150 - if you catch some sales. Even if you aren't shopping this way to be green for the environment, how could you argue with saving this much green in your wallet?

Nifty, nifty and oh, so thrifty

I wasn't a-kiddin' in my post yesterday about having to run out to the thrift store for a pot for one of the oldest eco 'burban boys science projects. He thinks it's a green bean, but the closer I look I am wondering if it's a pea instead. Time will tell I guess and since I am new to the gardening game, it might take me awhile!

My point is, that I did make a run to the thrift store - whereas the old me would have made a run to the closest Target or Lowes. I am finding that the thrift store is not just some place you go to drop off your old pregnancy clothes or outgrown toys. You can shop there too!! I needed the pot, and I found a super cute one for under $3 with it's little attached saucer. I also needed anther glass pitcher - since all scary, chemical-laden plastic pitchers are 'auf wiedersehen'!

While perusing the glass pitchers, I saw the cutest glass cookie jar I could not resist. No, this isn't an addiction, Chile, or even an impulse buy. I have had my eye out for more glass storage containers and it had completely slipped my mind that storage for cookies usually comes in a jar shape. I had made some of green bean's infamous oatmeal chocolate chip cookies the day previous, so I snapped up this jar right away. My total bill for a glass pitcher, ceramic pot w/ saucer and glass cookie jar with lid? $11.63 Reusing perfectly good products? Priceless. What that would have cost me at Target, including gas and other random crap that I threw in my cart - I have no idea. Certainly more than $60, give or take a fiver!

Now, tell me that this "goodies" jar is just not perfect for storing organic, fair trade, local treats?!? And, yes, those are the actual cookies in the jar. I had to snap this picture quick, though.. Once my boys hit the door, it's more like 'auf wiedersehen' to the cookies!

Oh, and if someone can identify that little science project in my thrifty pot up there, I would be giddy...