Recently, I went to a large flea market on the outskirts of San Francisco. I was surprised to find that mostly everything being sold was in pretty good condition and the prices were lower because they had already been used. Looking at this question, I think that reusing an item for a different purpose or revamping it is the perfect alternative to recycling. There's a very large movement right now to move to vintage furniture or other repurpose an item into something entirely different. Taking inspiration from the people who do that would create less need to recycle and more reintroduction of products into different things. It is an outlet for creativity as well as a way to help the environment as well!

Flea market is a really good way to recycle things. People can sell things that they don’t want to others so that the things can be used longer. There are too many things were thrown before they were supposed to be disposed. I, too, contributed to this crime. I often throw away old stuffs such as clothes, books, and small furniture such as old chairs. If I could sell those things, which are supposed to be used for more time, to others, it would saves some raw materials to make new ones. However, it is human nature to pursue new things. Although a person’s used things are new to others, other people know that things in the flea market are used, and they will psychologically discriminate those items. Moreover, even though we sell used things to others, the longevity of the items won’t change. They will eventually break when the time comes. Therefore, flea market is only a provisional and local way to reduce the use of carbon. A long term and more effective way can be develop new materials that last longer with the same amount of carbon wasted.

Very True Jacky. I'm also the type to rather buy something new than used, but my views changed when I went to this market. Although yes, flea markets are a local endeavor and we need something more global, doesn't change start on a grassroots level? I think that if everyone went to a flea market, they would find at least one thing that appeals to them that was used before. And maybe, their attitudes would gradually shift to be more responsive to reusing or stop buying new products. To combat psychological discrimination however, I would encourage those who do not what to buy already used products to journey into a flea market or something similar to see what these environmentally friendly businesses have to offer. Maybe then flea markets will become more popular!