Salvaging

We've been accused of living in a rich, materialistic, over-consuming generation of excess. One of the great byproducts of that is that we throw a lot of stuff away that is actually still quite useful. Now we can take advantage of our misdeeds by salvaging that stuff and making it good as new again.

There is somewhat of a stigma around salvaging. Some call it dumpster diving. Others wouldn't be caught dead furnishing their home with secondhand chairs. But we're turning that all around because there is nothing cooler than finding great things for a few dollars, or even no dollars. Why spend money when you don't have to?

There are many places to find excellent deals on home items, clothes, old cars and bikes, cookware, or anything else you want. Online bartering or trade communities are good places to start. In real life, thrift stores, flea markets, consignment shops, and garage sales are great places to look. If you're brave, junk piles and dumps are fine, too.

Now comes the fun part: making your salvaged item look new again. Sanding, painting, varnishing, and minor repairs are essential skills for salvagers. The good thing is that there are plenty of resources below to give you ideas on how to personalize your salvaged finds, and it's pretty easy to do once you give it a try.