Borrow and share instead of buy
Why buy something you’ll only use once?
Sharing helps you save money, reduce waste, and cut down on clutter. And it connects you with your community.
Try it out:
- Borrow tools from your neighborhood tool library for home and garden projects.
- Swap clothes with friends or neighbors instead of shopping new.
- Join your local Buy Nothing group to give and receive kids’ clothes, books, kitchen gear, and more.
It's amazing what’s already out there, often for free!
Fix and maintain what you have
A rip, bump, or scratch doesn’t mean something’s trash.
Repairing keeps useful items out of the landfill and can save you money. Portland has many free and low-cost repair options, from volunteer-run repair events to professional repair shops, that can help you fix clothes, shoes, furniture, bikes, electronics, and more.
Give it a go:
- Sharpen dull tools or kitchen knives at a local sharpening service.
- Visit a Repair Café hosted by Repair PDX to get help fixing broken items.
- Take shoes or clothes to a cobbler or tailor to extend their life.
- Try a DIY repair: Fix a zipper, glue a wobbly chair leg, or replace a button.
Many things can be fixed, and it feels great to bring them back to life!
Choose reused instead of new
Secondhand doesn’t mean second-best.
From vintage furniture to salvaged wood, reused items add character and save natural resources. In Portland’s robust reuse and resale scene, you can find treasures at thrift shops, salvage yards, and upscale consignment shops.
Try it:
- Shop secondhand for back-to-school gear, bikes, clothes, and home goods.
- Fix up furniture with salvaged wood or hardware.
- Find craft supplies and decor at reuse stores like SCRAP.
Buy Smart
You don’t have to buy new to get what you need.
Start with a plan. Shop your closets, cupboards, and community first. When you do buy, choose quality items that last—and skip the extra packaging when you can.
Give it a try:
- Choose durable goods instead of disposable ones.
- Give experiences—like tickets, memberships, or a homemade dinner—rather than things.
- Look for items made from recycled materials or with minimal packaging.
A little planning goes a long way to reduce waste and save money.
It makes a difference!
Each time you reuse an item, share with a neighbor, or skip a new purchase, you're helping to conserve energy, protect natural resources, and reduce pollution from manufacturing and shipping [EPA].
You’re also helping build a more connected, resourceful Portland.
Try one new habit this week. You might be surprised how easy (and satisfying) it is.