We at Greenknowe strongly advocate buying everything you can second hand. It helps to insulate you from sweatshop labor, mass consumption, waste and puts your dollar right into the hands of people who need it in your own community.
Furniture represents the most durable fixtures in our homes. We wear out and change our clothing frequently, electronics might last a while, most of our personal libraries tend to be small by comparison to the book shelves, dresser, desk, table, chairs etc that furnish our homes.
Downsizing is a natural part of living. Once children have grown and the number of people living in the home is often halved, moving to a smaller, more manageable home can be a relief and an act of conscience. Now what to do with all the stuff inside?
ReThink This
The Seven Generation principal has been around for a long time. I would like to purpose the Second Generation principal for furniture and other basic household goods.
My grandparents are just now down sizing their living arrangements and this is causing some confusion. There are a number of wonderful antiques we would really love to have room for in our home, but we are fully furnished and attached to the things we already have and on my grandparent's side, its very hard for my grandmother to see her collected treasures leave the family.
I have decided that all of my future purchases will be made with my grandchildren in mind. I will select quality made furniture and other household goods that will last and still be functional by the time my grand children are grown and ready for nice furnishings. I will select styles that are not overly trendy. I will buy classic and tasteful things that are more likely to fit into a new household 50 years from now. I will mentally prepare myself to offer things and part with them for my grandchildren. I will be flexible about the timing. If my grandchildren are setting up their home before we are ready to downsize, I will find a way to part with the things that are needed by them and their new family even if its difficult for me personally.