PrairieMod Monday

One of my favorite Monday past times (besides writing this article) is watching Antiques Roadshow on PBS. It's fun watching the many special things that people haul in out of their attics to have appraised. Antiquing is a fun thing to watch on TV and participate in as a hobby--but did you know that it's also one of the most important sustainable-minded actions you can undertake?

We've all heard the phrase "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle." It turns out that antiquing is a pastime that fits in perfectly with that motto. If you're willing to do a little hunting around dusty shops or smelly show booths, you can find some amazingly well-designed items to use in your home. Plus, you can usually haggle for a deal on those treasures.

Everyday, millions of tons of "things" are thrown away. Perfectly good things. If we spent a little more time looking for the things we need (or want) amongst the things others don't need (or want)--we could save this stuff from ending up in landfills.

Old things (much like old ideas) are often looked down upon as inferior to the new, flashy and trendy. However, antique items represent a link to our cultural past and can display a level of design and craftsmanship not found in the shoddy junk that crowds store shelves today.

It's not to say that there wasn't junk made a hundred years ago--people have been cutting corners and trying to get something for nothing for centuries. However, if you do your research and have the time to look, you can find the gems and have fun doing it.

Ever since we bought the little red house, we've been enjoying going to some of the many antique shows in our area and we look for the things we need for our new/old home. Table clothes from the 1950s, kitchenware from the 1940s, a thermometer from the 1930s and more. We make a list of the items we lack and we keep our eyes peeled for older, gently used items to fill that need. Of course, it goes without saying that we always look for really cool designed items, as well! It always amazes me how many intriguing, affordable, well made things have already been made and are just waiting to find a home.

So, in honor of Earth Day, try something different. Instead of running out to Walmart for that new, junky whatchamacallit--try attending an antique show or going to an antique mart in your area to find that old school beautiful and useful item. I'll try to take some photos of some of the treasures we come across. If anyone out there has some cool finds they want to share, send us a snapshot and I'll be happy to post it. See you next week!