6 Everyday Things You Can Easily Borrow or Buy Used

Learn how borrowing, reusing, and buying secondhand items can help reduce waste.

Insights and blogs

Aug 30, 2026

Buying something new can sometimes feel like the easiest option. But choosing new every time can mean spending more money and creating more waste than necessary.

Sustainable living doesn’t always require major lifestyle changes. Sometimes, it simply means making better use of what already exists. Here are everyday things you might not always need to buy brand-new:

1. Books 📚

Finished books can have many more readers ahead of them. Borrow from a library, exchange books with friends, or visit secondhand bookstores can save you money while keeping good books in circulation.

2. Tools 🛠️

How often will you actually use that drill, ladder, or toolbox? For things you only need occasionally, consider borrowing from family, friends, or neighbors instead.

3. Electronics 💻

A slow phone or laptop doesn’t automatically need replacing. Cleaning up storage, replacing a battery, repairing a damaged component, or updating software may help extend its usable life. When replacement is necessary, refurbished devices can also be worth considering.

4. Bags and Luggage 🧳

Suitcases, backpacks, and travel bags are often used only occasionally. Borrowing or repairing is more practical than purchasing new.

5. Party and Holiday Decorations 🎈

Banners, ornaments, table décor, and other celebration supplies are usually items that you use for only a short term every year. These items can be stored and reused for years rather than replaced for every occasion.

6. Sports and Exercise Equipment 🚲

Treadmill, bicycles, rackets, and other fitness gear are great candidates for secondhand purchases—especially when you’re still trying out a new activity.

Borrowing, repairing, reusing, renting, and buying secondhand aren’t just ways to reduce waste. They can help you spend more intentionally and get more value from things that already exist.

The next time you need something, take a moment before heading to the checkout. What you need might already be in your home—or someone else’s—waiting for another chance to be useful.