Second-Hand ≠ Second-Best

Just because something is second-hand doesn’t mean it’s second-best! In fact, many used items still have plenty of life left in them. From clothing and books to furniture, dishes, tools, and sporting equipment, buying or finding something second-hand can be a great way to get what you need without using the resources required to make something new.

Choosing second-hand also helps keep usable items out of the trash and in circulation longer. It reduces the demand for new products, saves valuable resources, and can even save you money. And sometimes, the best finds are the ones you weren’t expecting!

This Second-Hand September, before buying something new, take a second look at what already exists. Check the Swap Shop, shop at a thrift store, borrow from a friend, or see if you can find it used. One person’s “I don’t need this anymore” can be another person’s great find!

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Swap Shop Facts

(There is no actual data source for these anecdotes …. )

The Swap Shop is tied into Eastham’s larger recycling and reuse efforts by diverting usable goods from going to the incinerator, serving environmental, economic, and community goals.

• Everyone loves the Swap Shop … also know as the Eastham Stock Exchange!
• There are somewhere around 100 “Swap Sheds” in Massachusetts alone!
• Many love bringing their out-of-town guests to the Eastham Swap Shop … no, not to leave them there as donations!
• The Swap Shop is tied into Eastham’s larger recycling and reuse efforts by diverting usable goods from going to the incinerator, serving environmental, economic, and community goals.

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Second-Hand September Challenge

Whis September, challenge yourself to buy less new stuff—and give second-hand a try! Pick one category, such as clothing, books, home décor, toys, or sporting goods, and see if you can go the whole month without buying it new. Instead, check out a thrift shop, swap with a friend, visit the Swap Shop,
or look for a used item online.

Why give it a try? Every time we reuse something, we keep a perfectly good item in circulation and reduce the need for something new to be made. That means fewer resources used, less packaging, and less waste. Plus, second-hand shopping can be a great way to save money and find something unique.

Your challenge: Pick one thing you normally buy new and make September your second-hand month. You might be surprised by how easy—and fun—it is to give something a second life!

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Food Composting at the Eastham Farmers Market

The Eastham traveling compost bin “Scrappy” will be available at the Eastham Farmers Market all summer!

Come on by, and bring your compost and questions!

Fridays from June 19 – October 9, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
At the T-Time site, 4790 US-6, Eastham

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Halloween party this October? Save these spook-tacular planning tips to reduce waste.

• Ask yourself what you really need to buy new. Can you usevthings you already have, borrow, or shop secondhand?
• Refuse single-use party supplies and choose reusables, from dishes to decor.
• Get snacks in bulk instead of individual packages.
• Hold onto costumes and decor to use next year or swap with friends.
• Check RecycleSmartMA.org to see what you can recycle.
• Don’t forget to put out a recycling bin!
• Compost jack-o-lanterns after the party.

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In the News

Whether you have an hour to spare or want to take on a small project, we’d love your help. Reach out to recyclingcommittee@eastham-ma.gov and get involved!

• Read the ECAC’s Catch the Wave 7
• Travel to Cape Cod with MassRecycle’s latest podcast, “When the Funding Dries Up.”
  • Mike Cicale, foreman of the Wellfleet transfer station, joins Gretchen and Waneta to share how the town responded to losing a major grant to manage marine debris.
  • https://massrecycle.org/podcast/episode-60-when-the-funding-dries-up/
• Can recycling advancements get black rigid plastics off packaging’s blacklist?
  • MRFs are adding new technologies capable of sorting the material, which has long been a recycling black sheep. But end market challenges continue to complicate the equation.
  • https://www.wastedive.com/news/recycling-technology-advancements-black-rigid-plastic-packaging/759738/
• Mass. bottle deposit system continues nosedive, hitting new low last year
• https://commonwealthbeacon.org/environment/mass-bottle-deposit-system-continues-nosedive-hitting-new-low-last-year/

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Upcoming Events

• June 26 – Oct 9 @ 9am-12pm : Eastham Farmer’s Market
  • Food waste composting with Scrappy!
  • Friday mornings
  • T-Time site,4790 US-6, Eastham
• Sep 15 @ 5pm : Waste Reduction & Recycling Committee Meeting
  • Eastham Town Hall
  • The agenda is available on the town website.
• Sep 19 : Household Hazardous Waste Collection in Orleans
  • Orleans Transfer Station
  • www.loveyourlocalwater.org
• Oct 19 @ 5pm : Energy and Climate Action Committee Meeting (Eastham Town Hall)
• Oct 20 @ 5pm : Waste Reduction & Recycling Committee Meeting
  • Eastham Town Hall
  • The agenda is available on the town website.
• Nov 17 @ 5pm : Waste Reduction & Recycling Committee Meeting