Second-hand, an affordable solution!

Today, we're tackling the topic of second-hand, an easy way to limit overconsumption.

As you know, at Cahé, we do our best to make our approach as ecological/eco-responsible as possible (eco-designed packaging, waste reduction, dual-purpose products, etc.). However, it is important that this approach is integrated into your daily life for the impact to be even greater. And we know how difficult that can be. In our "Small Steps Towards Ecology" series, we give you some keys to easily integrate eco-responsible habits into your daily life.

What is second-hand?

When we talk about second-hand, we tend to think first of clothes, especially thrift stores and vintage, which are obviously very well-known. This is indeed the simplest and most famous way to consume second-hand, but it's not just about fashion. We can also talk about second-hand for furniture, decoration, jewelry, or cars—for everything, in fact!

It's a new way of consuming, more practiced by millennial generations Y and Z, but it is gaining ground in our lifestyles. We can also talk about used goods. The goal of second-hand is therefore to consume responsibly.

Note: Upcycling is a little different. Translated as recycling, it is the act of transforming a product that is no longer useful instead of throwing it away or selling it (for example, cutting your jeans to make shorts is upcycling). You give it a second life. It also means recovering scraps or co-products from the product: if we stick to our jeans, now transformed into shorts, you are left with the leg scraps from your old pants. If you use them to make something else, that's upcycling.

What's the point of buying second-hand?

Indeed, the primary goal of buying second-hand is ecology:

Avoid overproduction of new goods
Reduce your carbon footprint
Promote product reuse
Consume less

The goal of second-hand is to avoid the manufacturing of new products by reusing those already produced. This helps limit the emission of greenhouse gases generated during the manufacturing process of a product. We therefore reduce our carbon footprint. By giving it a second life, we reduce waste and avoid the production of additional waste. Second-hand is a real ecological alternative to overconsumption. Consume less and better!

Also, buying second-hand offers you the opportunity to find items and products often much cheaper than their original price, which allows you to save money! Thanks to second-hand, you can also find unique pieces made just for you. Don't be afraid to dig around, you're sure to find what you're looking for!

What are the second-hand platforms?

Thanks to several apps and platforms, second-hand is becoming increasingly accessible. I'm sure you know some of them, but which ones are they?

Vinted

You can't talk about second-hand without mentioning Vinted. For those who don't know, Vinted is an app dedicated to reselling clothes, but you can actually find a lot of other things on it, such as books or even jewelry.

The app is still primarily dedicated to clothing. Selling and buying are done between individuals, you and I can easily be involved in this second-hand market!

Moreover, each person sets their price, and you, as a buyer, can negotiate it as you wish.

Zalando

To continue our momentum, another clothing platform has decided to offer a second-hand category: Zalando.

Yes, it's unexpected, as the platform is known for selling new clothes and shoes, but it's now possible to buy second-hand! While it was previously possible to sell clothes to the platform, Zalando has currently paused this offer. You can only buy on their pre-owned platform, which is already a great step forward.

Second hand by Kiabi

But it's not just Zalando, Second hand by Kiabi is a platform that's a bit like Vinted, the idea is the same. You can buy and sell clothes of all brands, not necessarily just Kiabi! Take a photo of your jeans, describe your item as much as possible, and put it up for sale. Once sold, two options are available to you:

1- Collect the amount of the garment in a money pot and spend it on the Second hand by Kiabi website or have it transferred to your bank account.

2- Receive a Kiabi voucher for the amount of your garment plus an additional 20% to spend in Kiabi stores.

It's up to you to choose!

Recyclivre

After clothes, let's talk a little about culture!

Recyclivre is a platform that allows you to donate, resell, and buy books, CDs, vinyl, or even DVDs. It's quite simple: after sorting, bring your books to Recyclivre drop-off points (Paris, Toulouse, Lille, Bordeaux, Lyon, Nantes, Strasbourg), or to relay points. There is also a home collection service for 100 or more books, CDs, vinyl, or DVDs for residents of the previously mentioned cities.

If you want to sell your books, download the Recyclivre app and scan the books you wish to sell. The price is fixed, and shipping is free. Once your book is received, you will receive a transfer within 48 hours. It is also possible to donate the money received to partner associations.

You can, of course, buy on this platform; they have a large catalog, so you're almost guaranteed to find your next summer read.

Leboncoin

Everyone knows Leboncoin, perfect for reselling all types of products!

Leboncoin is a platform that connects individuals or professionals for donations, resale, rental, or purchase. You'll find everything at all prices; there's even a CO2-neutral delivery service, perfect for continuing our eco-responsible approach.

Geev

Finally, our last app, a little less known, is Geev. Geev, as its name suggests in English, is an app that allows you to give away objects, clothes, or even food for free.

It is the first donation application (no sales, just donations) between individuals. You just need to indicate what you are looking for and accept geolocation. Geev then shows you all the donation offers around you. However, you have to search regularly to find what you're looking for (and be very lucky too).

Conclusion

Ultimately, second-hand is accessible and quite developed in France. You just have to take the plunge! Between Vinted, LeBonCoin, and Geev, you have the choice to opt for a reduced carbon footprint with quality items. However, be vigilant: on all platforms, there can be scams!

Also, given that the textile industry is the most polluting, it is gratifying to see that players are working to limit their impact. Promod, for example, offers a system for depositing old items from the brand directly in-store in exchange for a discount in the store.

But ultimately, doesn't this approach push us to consume a new (new) product that we might not have bought without a discount? Something to ponder…

Beyond the apps, you can also go to flea markets and garage sales… You'll always find your hidden gem, you just need to know how to look for it!

The most important thing is to consume consciously: "Do I need this item?", "Can I find it second-hand?" or "Is it good quality / will I be able to keep it for a long time?" if you want a new piece.

And you, do you buy second-hand?

Find the links to the apps: