As the sustainability manager for outreach and engagement at UVA, Garner plays a crucial role in overseeing student interns who work on creating and promoting environmentally conscious initiatives across Grounds. One such initiative is the Green Your Dorm event, which educates first-year students on incorporating sustainable habits into their daily routines. This event helps students adjust to living independently while also promoting sustainability practices.
One often-overlooked sustainability habit that Garner emphasizes is shopping secondhand for dorm necessities and decorations. She notes that it is common to see almost new furniture pieces left by dumpsters at the end of the school year because students can’t take them home or don’t have access to donation locations. Buying secondhand not only gives items a second life but also helps reduce waste and promote sustainability.
Garner highlights the benefits of secondhand shopping as a „win-win-win solution.“ From a sustainability perspective, it gives items a second life and keeps them out of landfills. Financially, secondhand goods are usually significantly cheaper than buying new. Additionally, supporting small businesses, especially those in the Charlottesville community, is another positive outcome of secondhand shopping.
To help students source secondhand items on a budget, Garner suggests various options. One option is to join student-run group chats on social media platforms like GroupMe. These chats, such as „Things for the Low,“ have thousands of members, most of whom are UVA students buying and selling goods. Students can find furniture, clothing, room decorations, and textbooks at affordable prices through these group chats.
For those who prefer physical stores, Charlottesville offers several secondhand stores and consignment boutiques. Twice Is Nice, a nonprofit resale boutique, offers gently used furniture, clothing, jewelry, and home goods at discounted prices. Vintage stores like Arsenic and Old Lace, Neon Soul, and Low on the Downtown Mall provide older, reused clothing, accessories, and furniture options, albeit at slightly higher prices. Habitat for Humanity’s store on Harris Street is another favorite of Garner’s, offering furniture and home décor at discount prices.
Another option for students is UVA’s ReUSE Store, located at 580 McCormick Rd. This store collects surplus property from the University, including unclaimed or abandoned items that could be useful in student living spaces. Students can purchase items from the ReUSE Store at reduced prices, making it a sustainable and budget-friendly option for dorm necessities.
In conclusion, taking the time to shop secondhand for dorm essentials can make a significant impact on sustainability efforts. By choosing secondhand items, students can reduce waste, save money, and support local businesses. Attending events like the Green Your Dorm event can further educate students on creating a sustainable dorm environment. With a little effort and creativity, students can furnish their dorm rooms sustainably and stylishly.
