Fake's Called Fake for a Reason

This morning, The Clean Bin Project was debating whether to get a fake Christmas tree or a real one.  This is a tricky question when you’re trying to answer it from an eco-friendly point of view.  On one side, we imagine that a fake tree, being used more than once, would be best. On the other, we acknowledge the real tree as being natural and fresh.  I pondered this fake vs. real last month, and my guess was that a fake tree was the smarter choice.

I was wrong! 

After doing a bit of research I quickly learned that fake trees are not the best choice to make. Here is why:

1) A real tree is recyclable and can be turned into mulch after the holidays; whereas, a fake tree cannot be recycled and will never (and I mean never) biodegrade. So, no matter how many years your family puts a fake tree to use, it will inevitably only add to the landfill heap.

2) Real trees are natural. Fake trees are made with PVC plastic, and in order to make PVC plastic, petroleum is needed, which is non-renewable and carbon emitting. In small words-- it’s no good.


3) To get your real tree you may drive a couple miles using dreaded carbon emissions, but there are worse things. Take for example, that fake tree; it has been made in China and took quite the long haul to get to America-- I'm betting that’s much worse. 

Now, there are fake Christmas trees in thrift stores all the time, which is someone's best attempt at recycling that tree. View fake thrift trees as trying to atone for what they’re made of.  If you adopt a fake thrift tree you’re only helping decrease garbage. Just be aware that there is lead in fake trees, so if you have little ones try and be sure they don’t go biting on the Christmas tree (sounds ridiculous, but we’re talking about children here)!

From an eco-standpoint, I kept thinking how horrible it is to cut down a beautiful, air-cleaning pine tree just so we can celebrate; but I do believe in celebrating, and the Christmas tree is too symbolic to just wipe it out of the festivities. It brings families together, gathers us all in one room and even gets us to sit in one spot simply talking, reminiscing and laughing. So while extreme eco-ists likely say, “No tree!” I can’t. I believe in eco-friendly living while balancing it with living a happy life. Christmas time is a happy time, and in my best memories there is a tree.

If you’d like to avoid using a chopped tree, I’ve seen small potted pines that would be great, especially for green-thumbs or people with a smaller apartment.  To have a small pine indoors year-round may not be your thing, but if you have a yard, simply keeping it outside and bringing it inside for the holidays would work well.  Decorating a tree you’ve been caring for each year will only add to the holiday’s warm, sentimental feelings, I’m sure.

 If you do have a fake tree, it’s all okay. Just use it for as many years as possible and instead of throwing it out, donate it. I only wanted to share this information because I was clueless and found it useful to know. Hopefully, it will help guide others' future tree choices.

Fake tree’s almost had me tricked, but I suppose they are called “fake” for a reason. Maybe, someday, we’ll all celebrate around a large, outdoor pine that’s all decorated and bedangled, like the Who's happy ending. Not a bad image, don’t ya think?

Thrifter's Closet: Polka Dot Heels I Heart

Two weeks ago, I was thrifting with Johnathan at the Saint Vinnies in Slinger, WI when I came across the cutest heels. After I flipped them over and found they were my size 8, I truly got excited! This pair of Steve Madden heels are in brand new condition; they've absolutely never been worn, ‘til me! And to top it off, these sassy, recycled heels cost me only $4!

I wore them this weekend when I went to see A Christmas Carol at the Pabst Theater with my mom and Julie.  I will be wearing these heels year round, but they definitely have a quality of Christmas cheer about them. They are darling with their tiny, white polka dots on black, but what makes them heart-melting is the red detailing: the red strap held by a bright red button is eye-catching, and the shiny, red streak of heel makes my feet feel like they just stepped into a major motion picture. Oddly enough, my mom bought me a polka dot dress two years ago that matches them perfectly; in fact, they look as though they were sold as a set. 

I never used to be one for polka dots, but ever since I said it out loud I sure seem to be falling for them. I have five polka dot items in my possession now, and I’m pretty fond of each of them.  Some polka dots have an old-fashioned style that is both cheery and classy, and it just draws me in. 

A side note that I feel is important: never buy a dress or dress shoes that you will not wear numerous times. I wear dresses frequently so this is easier for me, but I do know that dress attire is one consumer category that is continually not put to use.  Even my fanciest dress was bought with the knowledge that I would wear it to many future events.  Same goes for heels: make sure they are ubber comfortable, match more than one thing in your closet and will be worn more than twice. When you’re contemplating a purchase simply ask yourself: will I wear these often and someday shabby the fancy out of them? If not, you don’t need them.

Another fun solution is to shoe swap. My friend, Julie, and I are the same size, so sometimes when I need a pair of shoes to match an outfit I check with her to see if she has something I could borrow. Swapping shoes or clothes for events can be pretty fun, pocket-friendly and a dose closer to eco-friendly. Just be sure to treat your friend’s items with respect and return them as quickly as possible, even when they undeniably look better on you. ;-)

 If you do have a pair of dress shoes hiding in your closet that haven’t been worn in years, perhaps it is time to donate them so someone else can boogie down and wear them out?

Give a Thrift Gift?

With Christmas right around the corner and gift shopping set in motion, a thrifter begins to wonder:  Is a secondhand gift appropriate?  My short-n-sweet answer to this question is: definitely use discretion.  Everyone is different, and as much as I love thrifting I know there is a huge handful of people who cannot stand the thought of using something used.  Some people find it icky, others find it cheap; whatever their reason, some individuals would not appreciate a thrifted gift. I am sympathetic to such opinions (it is their gift, after all), which is why a little considerate thinking needs to be done before buying.


Here is the mental list I run through before purchasing a thrift gift:

Is the person I’m buying for a thrifter?  If they are; go for it! A thrifter will be as excited over the find as you are. Luckily, several of my friends are thrifters, so I get to say yes to thrift gifts fairly often.

Is it a “brand new” item?  One of my major rules is that it needs to be brand new in appearance for it to be a gift. Having the original tags on is even better.  I don’t even buy myself much that doesn’t fit the description of “brand new.” Vintage items or lightly used are my personal shopping exceptions.  A gift should be special though, so if an item is stained, chipped or fading, just forget about it.

Repurposed?  If you are buying a secondhand item to repurpose or renew it, I think this is fantastic!  Crafty gifts are incredibly meaningful. To receive a present that someone took time on just for you, is a sentimental feeling that can’t be beat.  Crafts that incorporate recycled, secondhand materials are creatively wonderful presents that reflect true thoughtfulness.

Is it a collectible?  Many people have collections that aren’t quite complete, and if you come across a nice piece that fits someone’s collection I say, snatch it! For example, my mom has the Lefton Christopher Collection, (little figurine children with light blonde hair and light brown eyes). This particular collection was discontinued, which makes it an exciting thrift find.  She has close to all of them but every now and then I come across one she doesn’t have. In these instances, I grab them with a grin and save them for the upcoming holiday.  

Is there a story behind it?  When you find a secondhand gift that rises to the occasion of memory, I wouldn’t pass it by.  We all have our sentimental moments and silly inside jokes with family and friends. When a gift highlights these moments, I don’t imagine it matters whether Santa’s elves made it right in the mall or donated it to the Island of Misfit Toys— gifts that match our life’s memories are simply touching.

I can’t recall giving a thrifty Christmas present (until this year), but I have had success with several Birthday thrift gifts. Of course, before purchasing each gift it received one or more checks from the list above.  After all, there are people in my life that aren’t fans of thrift and that should be respected.  I also have never purchased a thrift gift because it was cheap.  Even though thrift gifts can help a budget, a present is meant to be thoughtful—never, ever purchase an item, expensive or cheap, unless you believe in the gifts ability to make your loved one smile.


What are your thoughts on thrift gifts? Any rules you’d like to add?