Shop second-hand. Safe money and the planet.

Usually, the greenest item you can buy is one that already exists, yet it seems as though a new “eco-friendly” product hits the market daily, leading consumers to believe that they’re killing the planet with every purchase if they opt for anything but these fancy new items.

We’re not saying buying new is a bad thing. We love new green toys as much as anyone. But when it comes to some items, you’re practically flushing your hard-earned dollars down the drain when you don’t buy used. To get you started on your personal reuse revolution, here are 10 things you should buy used every time.

Why drop $30 on shiny new printing of A Tale of Two Cities? A gently used copy that can be purchased for pennies on the dollar is exactly the same. Books are often read only once or twice by each owner, and public libraries, book mobiles and schools are packed to capacity with donated gently used manuscripts.

1. Books

You never know what you’ll find in a 25-cent book bin, and searching for gems is a great activity to share with your kids.

2. Cars

We’re not suggesting you hit Honest Joe’s Car Lot and pick up a Ford Pinto, but with a little research you can find a used car with the same safety, fuel efficiency and performance as a new model at a much cheaper price. We know what you’re thinking, New cars are better for the environment, right? Not always.

It takes a staggering amount of energy to make a new car, and an energy-efficient used car actually comes with a much smaller footprint than a brand new one. Choose the model that’s right for you, and find a reputable dealer that will give you a warranty with your used vehicle. Saving energy and money without cutting corners? Sounds like a smooth ride to us.

3. Kids’ clothes and shoes

They grow up so fast, don’t they? And that outfit grandma bought three months ago is looking a little snug. Buying new clothes and shoes for growing kids can cost a fortune, and considering they usually only wear a given garment for a few months before outgrowing it, there are plenty of good-as-new kids’ clothes out there on the market. But don’t restrict yourself to thrift-store shopping for reused rompers. Set up clothing-swaps with family and friends. When Tommy hits his next growth-spurt there will be plenty of hand-me-downs to go around.

4. CDs, DVDs and video games

Remember how hard you used to rock out to White Snake in your car? Where’s that album now? Our tastes change pretty rapidly, and people often end up donating their music, movies and video games once they lose interest. You can often purchase used entertainment items at a fraction of the cost of new stuff.

Just think: a 13-year-old skateboarder might be picking your old White Snake album out of the bin at the exact moment you spot Nirvana’s Nevermind. Share on, entertainment-lovers.

5. Toys and games

It can be tough to tell which toys and games will be a hit with the kids and what will lay forgotten under the bed. Used toys may not have been the favorites of their previous owners, but they could be your kids’ pick-of-the-week. And when cleaned with a non-toxic cleanser, they are completely safe and ready for play.

Hand tools like hammers, screw-drivers and wrench sets are built to last, and if you’re in the market for some new ones, check out neighborhood yard sales before heading to the big-box retailer.

6. Hand tools

You can often find just what you need for under a buck, and you’ll keep a useful item from hitting the landfill.

If tools are a little rusty, use a wire brush and a rust remover like Evapo-Rust, which you can find at your local hardware store.

Yard tools such as spades, hedge clippers and hoes are also great garage sale finds. And look beyond the dirt! Even yard tools that are rusted or caked with mud can be cleaned with a minimal amount of elbow grease.

Start with a good soak in some hot water to remove mud and dirt, and then begin removing rust. If handles are worn or uncomfortable to hold, sand them down with sandpaper or wrap with a heavy-duty non-toxic tape.

7. Jewelry

Anyone who has tried to sell a piece of jewelry knows that resale value can be shockingly low. Cash-in on these rock-bottom prices as the buyer, and purchase used pieces with a lower price tag and a smaller extraction footprint. Check out used jewelry stores and estate sales, and you will be shocked at some of the classically beautiful pieces you’ll find for prices lower than new boutique items.

Jewelry showing signs of tarnish or wear-and-tear can be cleaned in a snap. Try this trick for tarnished silver: line the container of your choice with aluminum foil, add just enough water to cover your jewelry and throw in a tablespoon each of salt and baking soda.

Let your jewelry sit for a few hours and watch tarnish disappear, with no scrubbing! For precious stones, you may want to opt for an eco-friendly jewelry cleaner, like Diamonds and Pearls by Gemcare.

8. Musical instruments

Buying a brand-new instrument for a beginner is often not the soundest investment, and since classic instruments play just as well, there’s no reason not to buy used. Most music stores sell gently used instruments, and you can often find a cool vintage pick for a price lower than a new instrument. Even if you’re a seasoned pro, you can’t beat a vintage choice for some added musical personality.

Many instruments will only need a once-over with an eco-friendly instrument cleaner, like Brillianize Musical Instrument Cleaner and Polish, but if you’re putting your mouth on it, you may want to do a deeper clean.

Give your brass or woodwinds a good soak in warm water, white vinegar and baking soda. This alone is enough to banish the ick-factor, though you can add a metal-safe eco-friendly cleaner to the mix to make sure you’re truly cootie-free. These ingredients also work wonders on stains and tarnish. This time mix the water, vinegar and baking soda into a paste, and rub it onto your music-maker. Rinse, buff and enjoy!

9. Home décor

Mirrors, wall-hangings and household knick-knacks are usually well-loved but rarely handled. So, used accents typically show little signs of wear-and-tear and add the same personality to your pad as new pieces.

Garage sales, thrift stores and antique shops are great spots to hunt for one-of-a-kind décor items. A cool vintage accent has a lighter footprint and way more spunk than a run-of-the-mill piece from Pier 1.

10. Exercise and recreational equipment

We all have at least one friend that has been using her treadmill as a coat-rack for years. When she finally gets sick of looking at the barely-used fitness find, she’ll likely donate it or sell it for a fraction of its worth.

Let her unfulfilled New Years’ resolution become a welcome addition to your home-gym by buying used fitness equipment. Buying electronic items from a reputable retailer is a safer bet, but you can often find items like free weights for less than a dollar at garage sales or second-hand stores. A quick wipe with an eco-friendly multi-purpose cleaner and these items are as good as new!

Recreational items such as golf clubs and tennis rackets are great used finds as well. They’re way cheaper, and they play just the same.

Story by Mary Mazzoni, originally published August 2010 on Earth911.

At Tonic, we also see ourselves as a service company — one that strives not only to inspire our readers, but to equip them with the resources to make a difference.

Toddlers

Ok, let’s get this straight, toddler birthdays are really for the adults. So while we celebrate these bouncing bundles of joy, we need to be sure we’re keeping our adult guests entertained as well! The next few ideas take care of both types of party goers ; )

• Fashion Forward – Have all guests bring used and unwanted child garments and throw them in a bin. While the little ones are playing with toys in a sandbox or ball pin, artsy parents jazz up the onesies, tops and pants for their little ones with glitter, appliques and other fun decor so everyone goes home with a little memento that costs little to zero bucks! Any parents who happen to be shutterbugs can do “portraits” of the birthday baby & their guests as a fun way to show off the newly created  threads and leaving the birthday parents with a nice memory to hang on the wall.
• Team spirit – Get each family invited to choose a team name & uniform for an Olympic style party. Host fun toddler games like a crawling race or baby sac race for older kids. Parents can cheer their kiddie team mates on while also partaking in some fun contests as well. Plus everyone gets a turn to stand on the winner’s podium for a fun photo op they can take home.
• Non-Slumber Party – Nix the sleeping part and invite everyone over for a healthy breakfast buffet and movies. The only rule, all guests come in their Pj’s!

Kids

This is where they get fun. Themes are hugely popular (as are easily distracted attendees). What to do to keep kids happy and entertained without breaking the bank? Check it out:

• Drama Queen – Have the birthday child of honor pick a play or musical they love. At the party, have them cast & staff the production. Be sure to have a bin of clothes for costumes as well as materials for sets (cardboard, markers, etc). The parents get treated to a fabulous show when they pop in to pick up their kiddies at the end of the night. This model works well as a talent show too!
• Party Parade – Not to far from the play production theme, the kids make costumes and floats. Before cake and presents, the kids put on the parade around the block that just happens to be lined with parents and other party attendants.
• Rough it – Your backyard becomes Yosemite or Yellowstone. Invite guests to bring tents and camping gear for a night filled with ghost stories by the fire, smores and imagination galore.
• Art Gallery – For creative kids, this is quite a bit of fun.  Have different stations for all sorts of artsy projects from finger painting, drawing, photography, sculpting, etc. Kids can make as many art creations as possible and then put them on display for their folks to check out in the “gallery” before it’s time to go home. Parents can sip on wine and finger foods to complete the mood.
• How Does Your Garden Grow – Teach kids about where food comes from while letting get dirty! Make little planters out of cardboard boxes so that each child can take their garden home to look after when the festivities are over.

Teens

Ah the teen years.  This is about the time that having your parents around isn’t cool but it’s their tough luck as who else is going to pay for it? In addition, the teen years are full of milestones such as Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet 16′s and turning 18! Check out a few of these teen approved ideas:

• Scavenger Hunt – This is the ultimate way for teens to “get away” from the “old people”! Put together an innovative list of tasks as well as hard to find items that the party goers must complete within a set time. Depending on age,this can be done at a park or in your neighborhood. For older kids, teams can drive to locations to make it more competitive & exciting. Be sure to get fun prizes for the top 3 teams to give them an incentive to play hard.
• Mystery Party -  Put together a “Who Dunnit” party disguised by a dance or dinner party.  Parents can be in on the ruse giving everyone a chance to be a part of the action.
• Spahhh – For teen gals, pampering is a way of life. Get a bunch of nail files, polishes, face scrubs, makeup, etc and set up beauty stations around the house. Party goers can play the “pamerer” & the “pamperee” and leave the party looking snazzy!
• Culinary Creations – Young adults are foodies too! And what a great way to give them tools they will need in a few short years! Host a cooking class at your place or look for a cooking school that throws parties.  Show them the basics they will need to know while allowing them to create a few yummy dishes they can enjoy.

Decades/Milestones

Once you hit your 20s, your birthday is what you make it. 21 is a biggie and from then on, the decades mark the milestone celebrations. Every 10 years we look back at the last and try to out do the celebration from the one before. These are the birthdays that really define you, where you are in life and when you get to take inventory on your relationships. From lavish to low key, see if any of these sound fun for your next shindig:

• Masquerade Ball – Don’t let Halloween be the only time you play dress up! You and your guests will have a blast getting all gussied up in crazy costumes. Especially if it’s a specific theme like Renaissance, Greek, etc.
  
• Amazing Race  – Set up a weekend of competitive craziness! Start on Saturday morning and complete it by Sunday night, either in town or somewhere nearby that is neat or mysterious. Put together a race full of fun tasks and brain teasers that will keep your party guests talking about it for many years to come.
• Roast the Birthday Boy/Girl – Set up a podium and have a fabulous meal. Seat the birthday guy/gal next to the podium and have guests prepare stories and jokes about him/her for a fun filled roast.
• Casino Night  – Most everyone owns a deck of cards so have attendees bring cards, chips or any gambling stuff they may have and set up stations (black jack, poker, etc). Play Rat Pack movies & music in the background while sipping on cosmos and G& T’s.
• Decade party – Turning 40? 1940′s! Born in the 70′s? Disco party! Serve fun food from the era, have guests dress up in period attire, play popular music and movies from the decade & live it up!
  

Be sure to use green party favors and decor whenever you can and get creative with it too!! No matter what you like or want to do, make your birthday your own because after all, you only get to be your age for a year before moving to the next!

Last week I happily announced the release of the Healthy Food For Thought CD that benefits healthy school lunch programs in New York.
If you are interested in purchasing a copy for yourself, a friend or for a school,
go to www.HealthyFoodForThought.com

Not only does your $10 purchase help support a wonderful cause, it helps spread the message that
this is important not only for the schools in the state of New York but nationwide.
Support of this project will allow other similar projects to sprout up all over the country
to bring awareness and funds to a movement of dire inportance.

• Kids love variety & surprises – Instead of the standard sandwich on white bread, step it up! Try using bagels, wraps, tortillas and other fun varieties. Also be sure that the breads you are using are made of while grains like whole wheat, multi-grain, omega 3 or flax.  This way you know your child is getting a rich source of fiber, vitamins, antioxidants while having a new spin on lunch every day.
• Leftover lunch surprise! – Cook once, eat twice! Make meals that leave you with enough leftovers for a few more meals in addition to leaving you with some room for creativity. For instance, Rice & beans from the night before can be rolled into a tortilla with some tomatoes, lettuce & cilantro for instant burrito. The possibilities are endless with just a little extra planning.
• Get the kids in the kitchen – Having your kids play an active role in their lunch making process is a great way to teach them skills they will need for years to come. In addition, it’s a perfect way for them to see where food comes from and helps them appreciate the cooking process. Not to mention, kids love to play with their food & their creativity soars. Help them build pita pocket sandwiches or put together their own healthy “lunchables”. This way when the lunch bell rings, they are excited to devour their creation with a sense of accomplishment! Get creative with colors, textures & ingredients (all of which can be found in plant based foods)
• Dip it good – Dips are a fabulous way to make lunchtime fun. Fruit and veggies can be dipped into a vast array of sauces and dips. Healthy chips and salsa, veggies & hummus, strawberries and soy yogurt, the list could go on and on.
• Snack attack – Let’s face it, kids eat breakfast at 7 am, lunch at 11am and then they don’t eat again until they get home after 3. Always include healthy snacks for kids to eat at recess to fend off bad food cravings on the way home from or once they arrive from school.  Trail mix, nuts, fruit, whole grain cereals and other finger foods are quick and easy  as well as nutritious.
• Slippery when wet – Parents, don’t make the mistake of tossing a soda or sugary juice in your kids lunch box.  Water, nut milks and 100% fruit or veggie juices are the only way to go. What they drink is just as important as what they eat. Also, be sure your child has a bpa-free water bottle handy to get them in the habit of keeping properly hydrated.

Making sure your children are eating well at school is one less thing you have to worry about. Now about all that texting…

It’s back to school & back to work and before you know it, it’s going to be chilly!
Chilly and busy means lots of colds floating around so be prepared & safe
with your very own, handy dandy, People Towel!
One lucky reader will win their own “I’m so prepared and green” prize
provided by the folks at People Towel!

How to enter our Back-To-School People Towel giveaway:
Leave a comment telling us which People Towel design you would like if you won!
Be sure to leave your email as well so that I may contact the winner. Winners will be chosen next Monday, September 13th by random.org.
Deadline for Entering is 11:59 PM PST, Sunday, September 12th.
Good luck!!
xoxo
**We do not share your email with anyone nor do we add you to our mailing list
**Only entries from the U.S. and Canada are eligible to win**

In the Large Container – Toasted Pita Points

6 whole grain pitas
4 tbsp olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
salt & pepper

Cut each pita in half and then into 8 wedges. Arrange the pita wedges on a large baking sheet. Pour the oil over the pitas. Toss and spread out the wedges evenly. Sprinkle with the oregano, salt, and pepper. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, or until toasted and golden in color.

In the Medium Container – Crunchy Dill Hummus

1 (15 oz) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tbsp tahini
1/2 tsp salt
1 clove garlic, minced
¼- 1/3 cup olive oil  (depends on how creamy you like it)
1 cup cucumber, peeled and diced
1 heaping tbsp fresh dill, minced

In a food processor, add garbanzos, lemon juice, tahini, salt, and garlic. Turn processor on and slowly drizzle in olive oil, until it’s creamy enough. Add in cucumber and dill, and pulse a few times until well combined but not fully incorporated, leaving some crunchy bits of cucumber. Allow to chill in the refrigerator for an hour or so.

In the Small Container – Sunny Tomato & Olive Tapenade

1 4 ounce jar sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained (reserve the oil)
1 cup pitted black olives
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
3 cloves garlic
1/2 cup capers
1 1/2 tsp Parmesan cheese or vegan Parmesan substitute
salt and pepper to taste

Place all ingredients in a food processor. Add 2 – 3 tablespoons of the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes. Process until desired consistency is reached. Tapenade should be course with some chunks, not smooth and creamy.

Planning a 3 month excursion in a foreign country takes a lot of energy, research, patience, and mind-space. I’m actually leaving in less than 2 weeks and I feel really good about it. I’ve been planning this trip in my mind for over a year. I had a list of “Things to do before I turn 30″ (everyone makes those lists right?) and visiting Japan and Asia was on the top of that list. Thirty came and went and I stayed put in Los Angeles. The time wasn’t right and the funds were not there to take such a trip. So I planned to go in May before my 31st birthday. I heard it was beautiful that time of year in Japan with the cherry blossoms blooming and the weather ideal. My best friend sprung on me the news that she was getting married in June or July and wanted me to be a bridesmaid. Of course, I wanted to be part of this special day for her, so I pushed the trip back to the Fall. Being a bridesmaid is a lot of work, but I made it through and had more head space for planning the trip.

The first thing I did to start planning was to decide where I wanted to go, for how long, and how much money I needed. I knew I wanted to spend as little as possible but didn’t want to go completely ghetto style. I figured 3 months would be a good amount of time to see many things and not be gone away from home and my business for too long. The money calculation was more tricky. I talked with many friends that traveled around Southeast Asia for very little money, One said she made it 3 months on $1,000! I realized I wanted to be more comfortable than that so I figured it’s better to start out with more money and bring some back home, then not have enough and come back with zilch. So I have 3,000 available if I need it, but with the 2 options I have found below I probably won’t need that much at all.

I did some research and decided to sign-up for WWOOF (http://www.wwoof.org/) in Japan. That stands for Willing Workers on Organic Farms. It’s an amazing organization that can be found in almost every country in the world. You connect with farms and they give you room and board for 6 hours of work on their farm per day. How cool is that?! I completed the Master Gardener program here in LA two years ago and I’ve been gardening for about 6 years, so the WWOOF program was right up my alley. And it’s a great way to travel the country for really cheap.

The second thing I signed up for was Couch Surfing (http://www.couchsurfing.org). Turns out there is a huge network of couches to be surfed all over the world. The site is reliable and safe, so I thought what the heck. A great way to save money, meet locals or other Americans staying in foreign countries who will show me around and make me feel at home. This was very appealing to me since I will be traveling alone. I decided I would go to Thailand and around SEA for the last 2 months and those places don’t have much in the way of hostels per se. I already connected with some great people who I will be staying with during my trip. I’s such a relief to know I have a nice, safe place to stay!

Granted, this isn’t the way that many people who have more money would travel. But for those of you who want a great, adventurous experience WWOOFing and Couch Surfing is the way to go!

Please follow along on my adventures by subscribing to my blog at http://theblissfulchef.com/blog

What do you get when you put together a team of the best audio chefs? A delicious menu from “Healthy Food For Thought: Good Enough To Eat!” Our friends have prepared a wholesome feast for your ears – all made with a dash of hope, a spoonful of wit, and a heaping cup of joy. We know you will be delighted with these fun-filled offerings, so enjoy – and come back for more!

This is a melting pot of Grammy winning and children’s award-winning  artists who have contributed their time and talent for this funny, charming, whimsical and touching double CD compilation. The menu of styles and expressions cook up a variety of unique recipes. These spoken words are sprinkled with songs that present the importance of healthy eating in a tasty, playful and enjoyable way. In keeping with the nation’s initiatives regarding nutrition and childhood obesity awareness, all our profits regarding this project go to the New York Coalition for Healthy School Food; www.healthyschoolfood.org

Julian Lennon stops by to whip up his personal recipe for Minestrone soup, while Russell Simmons enjoys a bowl of beans. Sara Hickman knows exactly what she wants for breakfast, while Bill Harley encourages a visit to the library to learn about healthy entrees. Jessica Harper and Justin Roberts push away the junk food as Tom Chapin gives us the rundown on vitamin C. You will take a brand new look at yourself with Sweet Honey In The Rock. The duo, Trout Fishing in America lets you know you can count on them for advice through this nutritional journey. Michael O’Keefe touches your heart with a story about a child’s very first steps, and you can get “Big Strong Muscles” if you listen to Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer. Moby will get your body to rock as many more of your favorite chefs abound on this double- coursed delight. “This audio meal will retail for $10.00. Yes, that’s the right price, which is a bargain for such a gourmet feast to enjoy!”

For more information, go to: www.healthyfoodforthought.com

Contact: Kevin Mackie

The first name in plant based buttery spread has expanded their line!
Earth Balance, makers of the best vegan buttery spread also boasts a line of shortening
as well as organic peanut and almond butters.  Whether you’re vegan
or just trying to lower your fat and/or cholesterol intake, Earth Balance is a fabulous choice!
One lucky winner will win their choice of any Earth Balance product along with an Earth Balance Recipe Book!

How to enter our Earth Balance giveaway:
Leave a comment telling us which Earth Balance product you would like to try!
Be sure to leave your email as well so that I may contact the winner. Winners will be chosen next Monday, September 6th by random.org.
Deadline for Entering is 11:59 PM PST, Sunday, September 5th.
Good luck!!
xoxo
**We do not share your email with anyone nor do we add you to our mailing list
**Only entries from the U.S. and Canada are eligible to win**