"Second Hand First" is my mantra, and it should be yours too
Seecond hand first mantra. Image by Smarti Designs in collaboration with Arco Preloved, copyright rules apply.
Let this be your reminder that buying the things you need second hand is best.
Our kids are constantly growing, and it can be a lot to manage as a parent. I hear you. And we don´t have time to browse endlessly to find what we need with small kids in tow. I understand. However, as much as you can, whether through friends, online, or shops like Arco Preloved, you should try to find things second hand (preloved).
We know its easy and tempting to get things new from the high street shops - with their glossy storefront displays and carefully-curated campaigns to get you to buy things you may not need.
But our planet is being stretched to its maximum with resource consumption. And it is already filled with everything we need - in fact, there is so much clothing on the earth now that retailers have to throw it away to make space for new production, often shipping it to developing countries to burn it. How horrendous is that? It shouldn´t be this way.
One of the key elements of Arco Preloved - my little shop in Lagos - is to promote circularity. This is the idea that we use things for a short amount of time, and if we care for them well, they can be traded in and resold, many times over. This is second-hand, third-hand, and beyond! Extending the life cycle of things is a bold act of sustainability.
If you live near Lagos, Portugal, here are some of the top spots to find things second-hand for you and for your family:
Arco Preloved - Clothes, books and toys for children ages 0-7 years. Location here.
Urban Jungle. Retrowear with a fun twist. Adults sizes only. Say hi to the owner Ignacia!
Luah Vintage - preloved womens and menswear, curated vintage. Say hi to Ruby and Kate!
Madrugada Charity Shop in Luz. Mix of adult clothes and accessories. No children´s things.
Madrugada Homestore in Lagos. Furniture and items for your home. Children´s section too.
Nandi Furniture and Clothes Charity Shop (2 shops side by side). Between the two shops, you can find clothes, acessories, kidswear, furniture and more.
Do you have other favorites in the area? If so, please post in the comments below. Let´s strengthen the movement of embracing second-hand (preloved!) things and showing love to this precious planet!