Purging Sustainably by Donating, Selling, or Upcycling

Purging sustainably is easy if you plan before you start. There are so many good options other than “tossing it”. Once you start thinking outside the box the possibilities are endless; Donating, selling, or upcycling are just a few.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may make a percentage if you buy something using them at no cost to you. I only recommend places and products that I know and trust which I believe you will love and enjoy as well.

Purging Sustainably

This has been one heck of a roller coaster year where starting new things (or doing things in new, socially-distant ways) and purging the old has become the norm. Travel has been limited to a jaunt from the living room to the yard and back so I thought it would be fun to guide you to try something different that is good for you and the environment – and maybe even put a bit more money into your future travel pot!

Purging Sustainably through Donating

Yes, you can donate to thrift stores, in fact I strongly urge you to do so, but have you ever considered donating directly to those in need? There are so many other programs out there who need mattresses, clothes, food, toys, diapers… Anything you have to give.

Start with contacting your local women’s shelter. Then the homeless shelters. Is there a local place where homeless teens in need go? Call them. You will be doing so much more for your community (and your stuff) by donating where it can be immediately put to good use. Plus it feels so good to give in this way that you may just find it’s even easier to get rid of more!

There is more need than ever to help these people and places that have been impacted through the shut downs and by COVID-19 itself so please consider this step first.

Purging Sustainably through Upcycling

Are you creative? No? Guess what, you don’t have to be- that’s what google and pinterest are for! If you have kids make artwork over old canvases you might otherwise throw out. Turn stained clothing into something new and bright by using a tie dye kit and a little experimentation.

If you have an infinity for plants, for example, you can turn just about anything into a new succulent home. Here are 19 great suggestions for doing just that.

Related: Create Lotus Flowers on used paper cups

Purging Sustainably through Selling

If you have items that still are in great condition you can also sell them! There are so many different platforms for purging and selling. From everything under the sun on Mercari to high end designer items on TheRealReal there are plenty of options for your needs. Just make sure you read the ins and outs of each program first (ie fees, shipping, items allowed, etc)

If you have clothing to sell Poshmark is the easiest when it comes to figuring out shipping since they just charge a flat fee for anything up to 5 lbs is less than $8 to the buyer. Delve deeper into Poshmark by learning my Top 10 Tips on Posh.

Sign up for Poshmark and use code: ‘GRENTICO’ and we’ll both get $5!