If second-hand items bring you shame, consumerism is getting the better of you

Don’t let the privileged shame you into overpaying for things

I was introduced to second-hand clothing sitting at home scrolling through Instagram. The clothes looked surprisingly nice with no mysterious stains, patch fixing, and damage. Most people around me had painted a very revolting image of second-hand goods and I had very much bought into it until I finally accepted that pre-owned items do not contain the demons of their previous owners. You will be surprised to know how many people believe that hand-me-downs come with the trauma of the previous owner.

Second-hand purchases weren’t supposed to warrant any joy because buying stuff is no more a matter of need. It is a matter of pride, an extension of ourselves, a method to convey our esteemed tastes and preferences, and experience and a short-lived dopamine rush in our otherwise mundane lives.

I always demanded brand new everything for my birthday and this is the first time I got a thrifted dress and just so everyone knows, it’s the best dress I’ve had.

I have been trying to go minimal for a while now. Currently, this mission really looks like it’s failing and it is, somebody help. I knew I needed to change my excessive consumption addiction, so I decided to completely cancel H&M, Zara & other related brands that make clothes in dirty conditions that allow our once colonized butts to look suave & sexy & more like our colonizers.

Okay, now that I have lost all the people who make weekly trips to these establishments (digital or physical) that stand for nothing but overconsumption and complete disregard for human rights and the environment, I can continue talking to the people who want to change their minds. For the record, I quit purchasing from Zara++ in November 2019, and not only have I bought fewer clothes, but I have also been more mindful of my purchases, at least, new ones. The world of second-hand garments opened a new world for me, a world that sold sturdier clothes at cheaper prices without compromising the oomph. I have so many favorite thrift stores that curate some great pieces. Ask me their names here.

I was a bit uncomfortable at first and my embarrassment manifested itself in various ways before I could truly make my peace as a second-hand consumer.

This was a humbling and mind-altering experience for me.

I no longer related to the idea of brand new & shiny. I relate to functional, economic and environmental especially when it comes to consumption.

Most importantly, it allowed me to discard my clothes in better ways. I care for my clothes a lot more because I think about their resale value and the joy I can pass on to the person who uses them next. Truth be told, I do not need this money but I do feel this small bit is a baby step towards a less wasteful and a more mindful way of living.

It compelled me to think about money and spending patterns in a different way.

The second-hand car market, for example, is a stellar example of the idea of brand new and shiny is far too expensive and only satiates my puffed-up conceit. Surely, the smell of a new car is not worth the extra bucks and if it is, reprioritize. Many gently used, afforadable and practical cars are available for sale. The insurance is cheaper, depreciation is slower and they also come with a warranty.

The idea of circularity in usage promotes using things gently. It delays the inevitable rubbishing of these infinite items in the finite space available in the landfills.

The universe is designed to by cyclical. Have you ever felt second hand embrassment drinking water? I mean do you ever wonder if it evaporated from questionable sources? We trust the process right? I mean we’ve been drinking the same water dinosaur’s drank. Why is it that we only feel embarrassed about material objects? Because we are terribly brainwashed.

And there are companies making copious amounts of money off of our swollen vanities.

The idea of brand new has seeped in so deeply into our minds that the thought of a second time around seems inferior, a compromise. A second marriage, a virgin woman, an unused syringe (just kidding, please manage hygiene and dont @ me I am not asking anyone to use second hand syringes).

Back to the point, the idea of brand new is rather overrated. Redesigning our thinking patterns to prioritising functionality may do us all some good.

Now, a reduction in demand may have far reaching implications – specifically on employment & livelihoods. I’m still looking for a suitable answer as to how a reduction in consumption can help improve working conditions, compensation, quality of life etc for those working in these high volume, labour intensive industries. Arguing against myself here, let me know what side you’re on?

Also, I find immense joy in scrounging for treasure in what looks like a pile of trash. I’m constantly fighting with myself on how much I want, how much I need, how much I want to throw and how much I want to keep.

I understand the material pleasures are short lived but I’m living for those short lived pleasures and the best small step I can take without giving myself massive agony is reduce my consumption of new things.

Looking forward to hearing your views on this here.

See you next week.