Maybe you hate the "used" smell or perhaps have the same level of patience as your toddler, but if you have specific reasons for avoiding the thrift stores in your community, it's time to get over that fear and embrace the idea of second-hand.

The items you find there have not only been saved from the depths of a landfill, but they're often priced much lower than similiar things you would find in a regular store - and in today's economic climate, both those points are hard ones to argue with. The saying "someone else's junk is another person's treasure" holds especially true - just because someone else didn't want something, doesn't mean you can't find good use for it. If you're new to the world of thrifting, there are some things to keep in mind before you reach the aisles.

What to look for
Clothing - Whether you're looking for a few new pieces to update your wardrobe or have a job interview coming up that requires a new suit, a second-hand shop generally holds more potential than you might initially believe. However, where you can really get more bang for your buck is in the children's section. Let's face it, kids outgrow their clothes and shoes in the time it takes to get from a store back to the house and keeping them attired can be an expensive task. Often times, when perusing the kid's clothing in a thrift store, you'll find things appear to have been worn only a handful of times for a fraction of what you would pay for a comparable item you purchase brand-new in a store. Even better, when your young ones are done with it, you can send it back to the store for another family to find and enjoy.

Household Appliances - When your coffee maker bites the dust, heading to Wal-Mart to pick up a new one might not fit within your budget. Look around for used household appliances that are still in good working order. People tend to get rid of their current appliances when they've upgraded to new ones or if they're broken. Always be sure to plug in an appliance to verify it's working and if not, to see if you can easily identify the problem. If you know a good handyman that can fix the issue for relatively cheap, you may just end up with a pretty great bargin.

Toys - You want to reward your child for good behavior or find a great birthday present for them, but the budget is a bit tight. Like clothing, kids outgrow toys and if they hold no sentimental value, parents often donate them to goodwill or thrift stores so they can find second life. Look caerfully and you'll probably find that new (old) bike or a stuffed animal to cuddle your child has been pleading for, with the need for a minor touch-up like some new paint or sewing a tiny rip. One word of caution: always check for a toy's origin if you're concerned about issues such as lead levels, and wash or sanitize as necessary before giving your child their new treasure.

Furniture - When you think of the furniture options at a thrift shop, you may get visions of horrible old floral patterns or chipped, splintering wood.. Well friends, that is exactly what slipcovers/sanders/paint were invented for. If the condition of a couch is still relatively good, try to ignore the hideous design and envsion its potential with a new covering. Likewise, old coffee tables or a kitchen table and chairs that are made of solid wood may look like they've seen better days, but with a good sanding and stain, can look brand new..

The benefits of used
Aside from the obvious points (you save money and re-using is great for the earth), the profits from may second-hand stores go to charities such as the Salvation Army. You also have great potential to find brand-new items that the previous owners simply never used, whether because they received duplicate wedding gifts or simply never really needed the item in question. And if name brands are a priority for you, guess what? You'll often find those at great bargain prices as well.

What to watch for
Always inquire about the return or exchange policy since many stores only offer final sales. This makes it especially important to try clothing on before taking it home or ensuring an appliance either works or can be fixed before purchasing. Also check clothing for any permanent damage such as ink or bleach stains or holes.

You'll also need a fair dose of patience since searching shelves and racks to find those fantastic items can be time-consuming or may require a visit to more than one store if you're searching for something specific. And finally, realize that not every trip to the thrift store will be a winner. Sometimes you'll score a huge victory, while other times you may leave frustrated over not finding what you were looking for. Thrifting is a hit-and-miss game, but when successful, can give you a huge sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that will keep you heading back for repeat visits in the future.

» The Frugal Shopper

About a year and a half ago I decided to take up knitting as a hobby.  I wanted something I could do on those cold, Canadian evenings that was productive and would keep me from mindlessly shoving food into my mouth while sitting in front of the television.  From the very first time I went into the yarn section of our local craft store, I have been enamored by the color, variety and luxurious feel of many of the yarn varieties available.  Indeed there is so much to choose from that it can be difficult to make a decision on exactly what type of yarn to use on projects.

One of the big differences between the different yarns available is the different sources that they come from.  Some fibers are man-made, some are plant based like cotton and soy, and many of the traditional yarns are derived from different types of animal fur. 

There are many different types of different yarn that are derived from animal sources.  Wool, mohair, cashmere, angora and alpaca are some of the common types available.  Being an animal lover I was interested in exactly how animal fibers used in yarn were collected and exactly how humane these practices were.  Initially I have to say that I wasn’t too concerned about the process of shearing.  After all, I have two small dogs who I routinely pay to have groomed in a very similar manner.  Of course, like all dog lovers I make sure they are well treated and left “fluffy”  When it comes to animals sheared for their fur, the information I came across definitely made me look more closely at which yarns I choose to buy.

If you type “yarn” and “animal cruelty” into a search engine, the first thing that automatically comes up is merino wool.  30 percent of merino wool come from Australia and is collected through a process called mulesing.  Merino sheep by nature have very wrinkly skin which can lead to fly strike: a painful condition where female flies lay their eggs in these wrinkles of skin.  To combat this (and probably just because it’s easier) merino sheep in Australia are shorn through a process called mulesing.  Mulesing is part shearing/part surgical procedure where, while being sheared, strips of wrinkly flesh are also removed from the animal’s hind quarters.  While it does heal into smoother skin which prevents fly strike, there is no required use of anesthetic on these sheep.  In fact, as with all the animals mentioned in this article, all surgical procedures such as de-horning and castration are done without anesthetic.  After mulesing, which in itself is very painful, these animals are left in pain for days.  As the shearers are paid by the pound of wool, their goal is to get the shearing done as fast as possible regardless of the treatment of the animal.  As with many animal rights issues there are two sides to mulesing.  Many animal rights groups have released very graphic footage of the mulesing process, while Australian farmers say it is still a necessary practice to avoid fly strike and most of them take care to ensure it is done humanely.  The reality is that there are no laws requiring these farmers to ensure the animals are not mistreated during the shearing process.  This is enough to make me avoid merino wool altogether.

Mohair and cashmere both come from goats.  While nothing quite as barbaric happens during the shearing process, the animals are routinely shaved too early in the season.  Most cashmere comes from China and Mongolia, where the cold winters produce their thick luxurious fur.  When the animals are sheared too early they are left exposed to the bitter cold climate that their fur is supposed to protect them from.  The angora goat, which comes from Tibet is now farmed mostly in South Africa and Australia.  Again, these goats are usually shaved too early in the season and left exposed to the elements.  As goats fur is slower to grow back then sheep, they are left exposed for a longer period of time.  The traditional method of removing hair from these goats involves simply combing out the loose hair which leaves the goats with some fur to protect them.  In many cases this is considered much too time consuming and labor intensive, so the animals are simply shorn in the same careless fashion as sheep.

Angora is another popular fiber, which is derived from the angora rabbit.  Traditionally the angora fur is collected by plucking and combing the loose fur off of the rabbit, which doesn’t sound too bad.  However, like every situation where animals are used to produce a product animal welfare can come second to high production.  Many times these angora rabbits are kept in cramped cages, and sheared carelessly.

The last, and best option for animal fibers is alpaca.  Alpacas are a more expensive animal and therefore tend to be treated quite well.  They also tend to be an industry that is popular on smaller farms instead of big industry.  Alpaca fur is usually sheared from the animal, but generally under better treatment.  Like goats, aplaca fur can also be combed out of the animal, however they are usually shorn. 

Like many people, I don’t like the idea that my relaxing hobby causes animal cruelty in any ways.  So, exactly what are the options available to avoid contributing to this abuse? 

For starters, there are many luxurious natural fibers available today that do not come from animal sources.  My personal favorites are bamboo, soy silk and cotton.

If you do want to use traditional animal fibers though, there are ethical producers available.  Look for local producers at farmers markets, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.  Ethical farmers will be proud of what they offer and how they treat their animals.  The internet is also a great resource, as there are many small producers who sell their cruelty-free yarns and fleece online.  Also, don’t forget that environmentally friendly and cruelty-free are related but do not always go together.  In general producers concerned about the environment are also concerned about animal rights, however a yarn can be environmentally friendly because a natural dye was used, but that dye could have been used on yarn that came from a mistreated animal. 

» Save the Sheep

Auctions are a great way to purchase brand-new merchandise at a price often far lower than full retail value. Think of it as a really, really good sale. Plus there's something exciting about the atmosphere at an auction: the whispered chatter as potential buyers preview items and discuss how high they're willing to bid; the silent eyeing-up of potential bidding competition and finally the fast-talking auctioneer frantically taking bids as people wave (or calmly raise) their hands. And then of course, there's the mounting excitement when an item is down to two bidders who call out price confirmations untiil one finally reaches their spending limit and relents.

In short, even if you walk away empty-handed sometimes, an auction can still be a fun and entertaining way to spend a few hours and it doesn't have to cost you much, not even a penny if you don't want it to.

What you'll find there
Anything and everything, depending on the type of auction. You may be picturing the old-school type where antiques were the merchadise du jour, however today's auctions are often full of items from companies that went out of business (commonplace in today's economic situation), damaged loads of freight (in which the items are often left unscathed), household items from local showhomes or recovered stolen property in which an owner never stepped forward to claim the goods. In any case, you may find lots that include furniture, appliances, tools, athletic equipment, flooring, jewelry, toys, canned food, bicycles - almost anything you can imagine. However it varies and can be very hit-and-miss, so don't be disappointed if the occasional auction is a total bust.

Tips
Most auction items are final sale and sold "as is", so always show up early before the event begins to view the merchandise. Most auction houses have a viewing time available and allow you to examine the goods to be sold. Check for any damage that may not be repairable and decide if it's a deal-breaker for you. Decide your maximum bid in advance so you don't end up paying significantly more than the item's value - or worse, more than you can afford. the only time you may be tempted to bid more than an item is worth is if it is an antique or rare piece you won't be able to find elsewhere.

The Pros
As mentioned above, often times merchandise is sold below retail value, especially if there is a lot containing several of the same item. Years ago Mr. Pinky Bean and I purchased hardwood flooring from an auction at a much lower cost than the woods we had priced out at the big chain stores. At times, you may find unique items that you are fairly certain few other people other.

You'll also be providing a good home for items that were thankfully not sent to a landfill.

The Cons
If the auction items you have your eyes on are highly coveted, you may face serious bidding competition and lose out in the end. While there may be multiples of the same item, at times there is only one up for grabs, so you could miss your chance depending how high a bidder is willing to go to get it. This is also why it is important to decide your maximum bid ahead of time; it's easy to get caught up in the excitement and spirit of competition and bid more than you would actually be willing to pay if you'd stopped to think about it.

As mentioned previously, most items are sold as is. While you should look an item over as closely as possible and plug in appliances to make sure they work, there may be times when you get something home and discovered damage you missed upon initial examination. The most you can do is look it over as closely as you can and hope for the best. There is also a chance that any manufacturer's warranty will not be valid for items purchased at auction, but it depends on the manufacturer. Just don't automatically expect that the dinged-up dishwasher will be replaced with a new one under warranty by the company that made it.

The Etiquette
There's no need to yell and wave your arms like a maniac when bidding, unless there are several bidders competing for the auctioneer's attention. Even then, simply calling out to confirm the current bid he or she has just announced shoud suffice, as should simply raising your hand high enough to be seen if they are facing your general direction.

Don't be too worried about simple gestures such as scratching an itch or involutary twitching. Most auctioneers require eye contact or obvious bidding attempts and won't consider every little move made by audience members to be a legitimate bid. If you accidentally move in a way the auctioneer takes as a bid, call out that it wasn't a bid and let the bidding for the item continue rather than letting the words "Going once..." escape from the auctioneer's mouth.

Finally, don't get your nose out of joint if an item you want is sold and you aren't the successful bidder. It's nothing personal - the winner was just willing to pay more than you were. If ithey are willing to shell out the cash, they're entitled to the item, it's as simple as that.

» Alliance Auction Service

Perhaps you're one of those individuals who doesn't find the idea of push-ups, lunges or crunches all that exciting, and therefore going to the gym sounds like a jail sentence. If you live in or near an area currently buried under three feet of snow and are looking for a great outdoor activity that will provide you with aerobic benefits as well as providing a high-intensity workout for major muscle groups, consider giving the age-old sport of snowshoeing a try.

No, it's not just something fur traders and trappers did centuries ago. You may be picturing the old-school wooden snowshoes of yore, however today's snowshoes are designed to be lighter with aluminum frames.

Interesting Facts 
☆ Snowshoeing burns 45 per cent more calories than walking or running

☆ In 2006, approximately 500 American schools - located mostly in the Northeast - introduced snowshoe programs as part of physical education curriculum in an effort to combat the problem of obesity in school children.

☆ Snow cushions the foot's impact making snowshoeing gentler on the feet than walking or running.

☆ The snow also buffers the earth against the impact of winter hikers or campers which leads to less erosion of trails.

☆ An adult weighing 155 pounds can burn approximately 563 calories per hour while snowshoeing.

☆ To provide a workout for your upper body including arms, shoulders and back muscles, consider using ski poles. And keep in mind, the risk of injury in snowshoeing shouldn't be any greater than the potential of hurting yourself while skiing. Just a warning, apparently it can leave your calves sore for days (which indicates that you've indeed exercised one of the aforementioned muscle groups).

Equipment needed
You'll want to dress in warm layers including thermal underwear and windproof and water-repellent pants and jackets so that you won't ever find yourself too hot or too cold. You'll also need typical winter gear including gloves, a hat and good waterproof winter boots. Poles are an optional accessory that can aid in walking.

You've probably already guessed that you will need snowshoes as well. Snowshoes fit around nearly any type of boot and come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are made using lightweight aluminum and durable plastic. Many outfitters offer the option to rent snowshoes for those who want to give it a try before sinking money into their own pair. When deciding which type of snowshoes to rent or buy, you'll need to consider the type of environment you'll be using them in and the type of activity you will be using them for. Mountain Equipment Co-op has a guide that can assist you in choosing the right type of snowshoes.

» Winter Trails

This is hardly breaking news, but let's face it: hemp has a pretty big image problem.  The most outspoken supporters of hemp production are more concerned about its THC content (the stuff that gets you stoned) and control by the Illuminati (I'm not kidding) than they are about true environmental benefits.  A bunch of white dudes with dreadlocks are probably not the supporters you want if you're going to champion the acceptance of hemp to the mainstream of society.  The diagram on the right illustrates all of the great uses for hemp without the assistance of Harold and Kumar (or Cheech and Chong for our old readers), and this is what the common consumer needs more education on.

Hemp is grown in the EU, Canada and China and the variety that's grown is a cannabis subspecies that is very high in fibre (great for making stuff out of), but not so great for smoking (sorry, dudes).  The United States imports more industrial hemp than any other nation, but is ironically the only industrialized nation that still bans the cultivation of this wonder crop.

The oil from hemp seeds can be used to make plastics, skin creams and even paint!  In France Hempcrete is commonly used building material that uses hemp as a strengthening agent.  But the real story about hemp is in the fibre.

Way back in 1916 (woo!), the USDA issued a bulletin that reported 1 acre of cannabis hemp produced a comparable amount of fibre suitable for making paper as 4.1 acres of trees while requiring only a small fraction of the chemicals required to turn wood fibre into paper.  And yet here we are nearly a hundred years later and a misguided "War on Drugs" is preventing American farmers from growing this supercrop right in their own backyard.

With a chaotic and unpredicatable future ahead we could be in for some real shake-ups due to global warming and a crazy economy.  More than ever we should be looking at crops like industrial hemp that give us a big return on the resources (water, land, energy) we put into it.

As a consumer, you owe it to yourself to get educated.  Hit the jump and read-through the Wikipedia article on hemp to get started.

» Hemp (Wikipedia)

While most people go into hibernation mode during winter, wanting nothing more than to curl up around a fire with hot coco, there are those of us who start going slightly delirious at the thought of being caged in for the next few months. However, unless you’re in the Arctic, there’s no reason why you have to induce self imprisonment during the season.  With a mix of both creative and practical thinking, you can have just as much of a ball during winter as you have during summers by bringing the outdoors in. 

And even though we’re penny pinching these days, we can still have a fabulous get together – and with the slightest bit of effort and inventive spirit, we can host a splendid evening boasts of eco-chic brilliance. When thinking of winter, my first thoughts escape straight to a “Winter Wonderland” theme and with a slight obsession for eco-friendly entertaining, I’ve been able to source some charming ideas.

One of the great things about winter is that you can get really creative and free-spirited with the décor. (During what other season would you get away with bringing trees indoors and the decking them with magpie-envying pieces?) When you think of “wonderland”, think odd, magical and strange. Think Alice in Wonderland meets the Snow Queen, where everything is just slightly off the wall, creative and wonderfully mad – with a rich frosty touch. 

Setting the Scene

Ambiance is everything. This is especially true if you’re going to host an evening of kaleidoscopic proportion.  Think white candles, silver accents, pops of color, reflective surfaces– just about anything that would catch the eye.  The great thing about the holiday season is that just about anything goes and the best way to get this is to pay attention to details. Make sure you include lots of accents and clusters of décor pieces. 

A quick inexpensive and recyclable option is to top your cake platters with old Christmas tree ornaments. This ensures that you’re using them not just around the holidays, but in a clever festive way that actually gives you the thrill of holiday decorating without sacrificing a tree for it.  You can use either tiered cupcake platters or single level ones. Standard cake platters are also great to use as a base for nesting pillars of candles among pine cones and branches from your yard.

Not forgetting our Winter Wonderland theme which embraces creativity, start by breaking convention and bringing in a tree earlier in the year – then turn it upside down.  The idea has been popular for a few years now, and it’s both gorgeous and eco-friendly since these trees are of the faux variety.

Another simple idea that heats up the evening was discovered in Sunset Magazine, which suggested that “vases of varying heights [can] contain conifer sprigs in an inch of water.” White votive candles behind each jar adds a mesmerizing glow.  This is a much more sustainable décor idea than flowers, since branches can be found in most yards and can last up to a month in an inch of fresh water. The idea makes even more sense when the taken the scarcity of naturally available flowers during the winter, and the high cost of store-bought stems.

The Feast No matter how much time and energy you’ve invested in creating a lush atmosphere, there’s one key element that always wins out – and that’s taste! Your party doesn’t have to have a five course meal but it does have to have rich savory foods perfectly paired with a winter setting.

For a beer bottle budget, try either a cheese and bread fondue party and for dessert take the evening outdoors. Set your patio or deck with a couple patio heaters about a half hour before you expect guest to step outdoors – this way by the time you enjoy the next half of your evening, you’re in a nice toasty niche. 

Next, have your guests collect twigs from around the yard and bring them back to serve as marshmallow skewers. Pair that with organic chocolate and your classic cup of hot chocolate, and you’re set for the evening. 

“Eco Winter Wonderland” is written by Shireen Qudosi and brought to you by http://www.air-n-water.com/

Images in order of appearance: The White Company, Sunset Magazine, Flickr User Lisa23366, Martha Stewart Living

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