Goodwill Treasures!

 Ladies and gentlemen, I just got back from Goodwill, and I'd love to show you a few of the things I got from my haul! 

( I DID buy that taco cat hat for a friend. It was brand new!)

 Part of going zero waste is to not just refuse freebies and reduce our plastic or general consumption, but we also need to reuse what we have, or find something efficient to reuse that will be a smart purchase for the environment. I go to goodwill so I can find glass jar containers that will replace the plastic ones that leech chemicals into my food. Scientists already know this is happening, but they have not yet determined just how much chemicals are brought into the food when contained in plastic. They have already found microscopic plastic in our fresh water supplies, and even in our own bodies. Also, plastic is an eventual landfill destination, because what little percentage does get recycled usually gets downcycled into un-recyclable things, like a patio deck or carpets. I would like to eventually swap my plastic items for glass, wood or metal, because those materials can be more easily recycled into something new, or composted. when my plastic is replaced, I will pass along my plastic items to those who could use them.

So let's see the goods!

First, I found an AMAZING  treasure:

 

It is a 2 gallon glass container with a nozzle. Got it for $12, but it is worth $20. It was so perfect for my zero waste journey, and I'll tell you why. 

First, it is easy for little children to use if they want a cold beverage. I use a distiller in my home because my water is very hard, with a lot of iron in the soil, and I need to use softener on the tap. 

Second, it is mostly glass so I can FINALLY say goodbye to the annoying plastic pitchers that I had sitting on my counter all the time. The little kids tried to pour themselves a glass and would often spill it and walk away without cleaning it. I am so happy to finally part with some plastic and give them to Goodwill.

And Third, I just LOVE mason jars, and it is pretty as well as functional. I'll take that!! 

The only strange thing about this product is that when I close the lid entirely, the water will not dispense. I think that has to do with the oxygen pressure. But it's not a big deal, we will keep the lid slightly open.

I also found two sealable jars (I LOVE the ones with cute designs on them!) for my dry bulk goods. I found a blue ball jar, and I couldn't pass up the pretty jar. I never had a blue one before. I found two of these zipper bags for $2.50 each! They will be excellent as gifts to give for my friends and family as a zero waste kit. I want to put into them reusable cutlery, reusable straws, and a few of my reusable wipes that can be great as a tissue or napkin. Maybe some more things, but I'm not sure yet. Or maybe I will use them as storage for something else. 

If you notice the paper underneath all the stuff. I am keeping it for wrapping paper!! Perfect for my children to color on and make the wrapping paper colorful!

 Found four beautiful blue and white bowls (I used one and it's in the sink). I am a big sucker for blue and white bowls. There are six clear plates to use instead of plastic or paper ones. I love the small size because they are good for finger foods, and for smaller portions. They also will come in handy when I hold any party without paper plates. I also lost my sunglasses recently, and I bought a $2 pair.

Goodwill is so great when it comes to zero-waste treasures. There is one thing I found there that I love so much. It is simple, but it doesn't take too much to please me...

This is a glass water bottle from SOMA. This little water bottle retails at $30! WHAT? Who would pay $30 for a water bottle, I don't know, but apparently they didn't love it enough to hold on to it, because it ended up at Goodwill! I love it for so many reasons...It has a (mostly) bamboo cap that screws on. It is made of glass and has a silicone grip for me to handle it easily. The best part about it is the smooth lip after I open the cap. When I bring the smooth glass rim to my lips, it always makes me so happy, I don't know quite why. This is my favorite water bottle ever, and I didn't even know it existed until I went to Goodwill. I had a lot of trouble with plastic because I could taste the plastic from the water I drank in it, especially if it were inside my hot car for a little bit of time. Glass or steel water bottles are excellent, sturdy and can be recycled easily into something new. 

What kinds of Goodwill treasures have you found?

Cheers,

Laura