Maybe “used” is a word that needs a makeover in our minds. How about slipping it into “recycled?” Or just leave it alone and learn to accept “used” can be good.

I had a revelation, the kind you have after feeling troubled for no apparent reason, a few days ago while sitting in a restaurant. I had been shopping for a Christmas gift for my brother-in-law. The store where I was shopping sells used CDs and DVDs alongside new ones. I immediately put back all the interesting used CDs I came across, even when a new option wasn’t available.

Give a used gift? Unthinkable, horrible, cheap, a cause for shame. And how surprised and hurt would the gift recipient be? I might as well get him carrots.

I’ve bought used CDs before for myself. I’ve also become a member of PaperBack Swap. Yet, other than an occasional antique gift, I never thought about giving anything used. It just isn’t done, is it?

Upon the revelation night, my mind became awash with images of all the used gifts I had decided not to buy in the past. I saw “5 used available” links on amazon.com. I saw library discard deals, used CD stores and estate sales passed by for the mall.

All of these thoughts brought up a self-confession. Despite my efforts to be greener, I am still a perfect consumer. I was ashamed of the fact that I was ashamed to give a used gift. My feelings are not surprising given the way everything shiny and new is marketed.

What is it about tags with the price removed that makes an item so glossy-special? Do we really like UPCs that much? (I did see a giant UPC tattooed on a guy’s neck on a plane once, but that’s another topic.) Can’t we give “used” a little relief from its second-banana role to “new?”

I had more questions than answers:

1. What is wrong with giving someone a used gift?
2. Should I pay more and support wasteful spending if a used option is readily available?
3. Will the gift recipient think I’m cheap or trying to pull one over?

Below is one solution that answers the questions above with “Nothing, No and No.”

This January, tell your circle of friends, family and co-workers that they will receive only used birthday gifts and you would like the same or nothing. That means you might give a designer purse from a thrift shop, a used book without coffee stains, a still-hardy vintage kitchen utensil, a groovy garage-sale jewelry find from the 70s, or a gently used and charming lamp from an estate sale. Recycled gifts don’t have to be trendy bracelets made of reclaimed tea tins or purses made of candy wrappers.

Emphasize you are buying used and you expect to receive the same or nothing. This may seem a little drastic, but explain your reasons. You will avoid the shame you may feel for giving a used gift and hurt feelings on the part of the gift recipient.

Once you remove the stigma of “used,” you may begin to see shopping in a whole new, adventurous and reusable way. Go ahead. For 2008, become a used rebel and bring some charm, originality and fun back to shopping.

Please visit Peggy’s blog, Light Green Stairs for more green-friendly tips and advice.

Post from: Tree Hugging Family