Life of an Earth Muffin

LUSH Montalbano Shampoo Bar Review: An Easy Plastic-Free Swap

Posted on July 20, 2021July 9, 2024

Hey earth muffins! One of the easiest swaps you can make during Plastic Free July is to start using shampoo bars. Instead of plastic bottled shampoo, these bars come with absolutely no packaging! I’ve tried many different shampoo bars over the years. Personally, I really like the bars from Lush; but, many brands are starting to offer these as an alternative to bottles. 🧼 This is the third shampoo bar I have tried from Lush, so I thought it was fitting to write a review for you all. Let’s get into my Montalbano shampoo bar review!

A picture of the Montalbano shampoo bar from Lush

What I Love About the Montalbano Shampoo Bar

Obviously the first thing I love about this shampoo bar is that it is sustainable! There are so many good reasons to choose bar products over bottled, especially since it often means there is no plastic packaging involved. Lush sells these shampoo bars with no packaging in the store. If you have to order them online, they are shipped with water-dissolvable packing peanuts. It is so much fun to watch them dissolve in the sink! If you are looking to reduce some of your plastic in the bathroom during Plastic Free July, swapping to a shampoo bar is a great idea!

I absolutely love the color of the Montalbano shampoo bar. It is bright yellow, which adds a great pop of color in my shower. I appreciate that this color also doesn’t transfer to my tub when I use the product. When using certain shampoo bars (namely the Jumping Juniper bar from Lush), the color will stain the tub a bright color. While this can easily be removed with some scrubbing when I clean the bathroom, I enjoy that this bar doesn’t leave a bright yellow mark in my shower!

This Montalbano shampoo bar review would be incomplete if I didn’t mention the smell – it is amazing! The shampoo bar has a nice lemon citrus scent, but it isn’t overpowering. When I was using the Honey I Washed my Hair bar, the scent of toffee/honey was super strong in the bathroom. While it smelled really good, I personally am one for more subtle scents. According to the Lush website, there is also rosemary in the shampoo bar. But, you don’t really get much of that when smelling the bar. Citrus is definitely the overwhelming scent!

The Montalbano bar is meant to boost shine, add subtle volume, and cleanse your scalp. I think it definitely does those things! My hair feels super soft after using this shampoo, and it definitely has been adding some extra volume to my naturally curly hair. I recently got my first post-pandemic haircut, and I chopped off a ton of my hair. This shampoo bar has been great in keeping it healthy! In terms of cleansing, I have psoriasis on my scalp which often results in extra grease…. I think this shampoo does a nice job of reducing grease too.

What Could Be Better with this Shampoo Bar

The first con to this Montalbano shampoo bar review would have to be the big chunks of dried citrus in the bar. On each side, there are big dried pieces for decoration. While it looks pretty, it just seems like a waste to me. Those dried citrus pieces could be used for something else! Plus, it makes it more difficult to lather up with the bar. Once the pieces fall off, it seems like they could also clog your shower drain. I personally have been saving them to put in the compost bin! 😊

Along with the dried pieces of citrus, the bar itself isn’t as smooth as other Lush shampoos I’ve tried. I’m not sure what gives it a rough texture, but it is definitely not as smooth. I typically like to lather up the bar in my hands before applying to my hair. But, the texture of the bar makes it easier to just lather in my hair directly. Not a huge con to this product, but I wanted to mention it!

Lastly, to close out this Montalbano shampoo bar review, I noticed more dandruff than usual when I first started using this bar. As mentioned above, it is supposed to cleanse the scalp; so, it was probably just doing its job with my psoriasis! But, I wanted to mention it just in case you are prone to having dandruff already. You might want to opt for a different bar.

Final Thoughts on the Montalbano Shampoo Bar

Overall, I think the Montalbano is a good shampoo bar to try! Lush has a really nice selection of shampoo bars to choose from. Especially during Plastic Free July, there is no reason to not try out a package free option. This bar smells great, looks pretty in the shower, and works! While there are huge chunks of dried citrus on it, don’t let that deter you from trying it out. What shampoo bar have you been using lately??

Love,
Jenna ♥

How to Get Your Amazon Orders Shipped Plastic-Free!

Posted on July 15, 2021July 10, 2024

Hey earth muffins! Are you sick and tired of ordering something off Amazon, and it coming in a box three sizes too big? I sure was! I thought it was so stupid that a tiny product would be shipped in a huge box surrounded by tons of plastic packaging. Sometimes, I would get a plastic bubble mailer instead. While those can be reused as bubble wrap, it is still excess plastic waste. Especially during Plastic Free July, I wanted to share with you all how to get absolutely NO plastic packaging in your Amazon orders! It is quick, easy, and effective in reducing your plastic usage. Let’s jump right into it! 📦

Steps for Getting No Plastic with Your Amazon Orders:

When you first navigate to Amazon.com, there is the “All” category drop down button on the top left of the screen. Click on the “All” so that you see the menu of different Amazon services and departments.

Scroll all the way to the bottom of this panel until you see “Customer Service”. It should be the second thing from the bottom of the menu. Click on “Customer Service”, and it will redirect you to Amazon Help.

Once on the Amazon Help screen, scroll down the page until you see the “Browse Help Topics” section. The very last option on this page is “Need More Help?”. When you hover over this, there are three options for you to choose from. Click on “Contact Us”.

After clicking on the Contact Us button, Amazon will redirect you to a new page. You should see a large yellow “Start chatting now” button on the left of the screen. Click on this button to start the chat! The bot will start asking you about your most recent order; so, keep selecting the option that you need help with something else. Eventually, you can opt to chat with an actual associate instead of just the bot.

A picture of a chat with Amazon staff to get orders shipped plastic free

When you get connected with an associate, ask them nicely to have your Amazon packages shipped plastic free. My message was, “I am hoping to get all of my future Amazon orders shipped plastic-free”. The associate should update your special notes and ta-da! You should now receive your orders without any plastic. 🎉

But, Does it Actually Work?

Before going through the steps listed above, I actually had placed an order on Amazon. I was curious to see how quick the “special notes” would be updated on my account. Sometimes companies can be misleading when they say no plastic packaging, so I wanted to double check it actually worked before sharing this post with you all… And I am excited to say that it does work! The three things I purchased were packaged in a paper mailer that was the perfect size for the three items. 😍 In my area, the paper mailers can be recycled just like any cardboard box too. What a huge win!!

Final Thoughts

I can’t believe I hadn’t done this sooner! The steps to get no plastic packaging with your Amazon orders are super easy. Plus, it takes barely no time at all. I think it took about 3 minutes from the time I went to Amazon to the time the associate said he would take care of it for me. Please take the time to follow these steps and share this post with all of your family and friends. Just imagine how much plastic we would save during Plastic Free July (and beyond) by doing this!! Do you get your Amazon orders shipped plastic-free?

Love,
Jenna ♥

What is a “Plant-Based” Diet? & Other Amazing Diets Defined

Posted on July 13, 2021July 10, 2024

Hey earth muffins! A couple of years into my eco journey, I decided to stop eating meat during Plastic Free July. When I first made this decision, I wanted to see how it would affect my body and make me feel. After the one year mark, it was obvious that this was going to stick. July 2021 is the two year milestone – crazy to think all of that time has gone by! There are plenty of reasons why you should consider giving up meat as well; but, diet is an individual choice. And, there are many different plant-based diets out there to consider! For today’s post, I wanted to define some of the most popular plant-based diet options. Let’s jump right into it! 🥕

A picture of a vegetarian salad with the words Let's Talk Plant Based around it

A “Plant-Based” Diet

Surprisingly, there isn’t really one encompassing definition for a “plant-based” diet! If you consider yourself someone who follows a plant-based diet, your meals contain much more plant derived foods than things from animals. The food you eat is often less processed and a “whole food” compared to other diets. I like to think of “plant-based” as an umbrella term that encompasses all of the following terms under it. 😊 It definitely is more inclusive because it includes a spectrum of people from hardcore vegans to omnivores.

Vegetarian

The dictionary defines a vegetarian as someone who “does not eat meat, and sometimes other animal products, especially for moral, religious, or health reasons”. Never fear – you can still get plenty of protein even without meat and fish; there are plenty of non-meat protein options! It seems like this diet is a popular option for reasons outside of helping the environment… But there is lots of evidence that refusing to eat meat helps the planet!

A stop sign with the sticker Eating Animals under it

Pescatarian

While I have called myself a vegetarian for the past two years, I really should have been calling myself a “pescatarian”. If you consider yourself this plant-based diet, you allow yourself to still eat fish. I originally decided to become a pescatarian because I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to quit all meats right away. Now that I have two years under my belt, I am slowly moving towards being a full-time vegetarian. The Seaspiracy documentary on Netflix really inspired me to limit my fish consumption as much as possible. It is a great (but sad) documentary I recommend you all watch!

Flexitarian/”Omnivore”

If you are also concerned about giving up meat cold turkey (pun intended), this might be the plant-based diet for you! A flexitarian is someone who centers their diet around plant derived foods, but will occasionally include meat as well. Another term for this is a “semi-vegetarian diet”. The meat and fishing industries are absolutely terrible for the planet, so many eco warriers believe that the vegetarian/vegan diet is the only way to go. But, every small change helps! If you want to eat meat a couple days each week, the flexitarian option is a great way to reduce your meat consumption. 🐄

Vegan

Last but not least, the vegans! The strictest of the plant-based diets, a vegan abstains from consumption of any animal product. This includes things like eggs, milk, and even honey. Some vegans also take this past their diets and refuse animal products in everything from blankets to makeup products. While I haven’t considered a vegan diet yet, I’ve definitely had some delicious vegan food! It used to be much more difficult to be a vegan, but now there are many vegan options on the market. Definitely an awesome plant-based diet choice!

What is a Plant Based Diet pinterest pin — Pin now and read later!

Final Thoughts on Plant-Based Diets

If you want to reduce your impact on the planet in a meaningful way, then a plant-based diet might be for you! Whether you decide to be an omnivore or go all in as a vegan, the way you eat is an individual choice. Do what makes your body feel the best! Just like with any major change, keep tabs on yourself and monitor how you feel. It is important to keep all of your key nutrients and vitamins at good levels through eating healthy and/or taking supplements. From my experience, I’ve loved being on a plant-based diet; there are many great recipes to try (see my favorites here!)! What are your thoughts on plant-based diets?

Love,
Jenna ♥

Which is Better: A Bamboo or Electric Toothbrush?

Posted on July 8, 2021November 14, 2021

Hey earth muffins! When I started this sustainable journey, I had an electric toothbrush already in my bathroom. I wasn’t sure if continuing to use it was the best option, as bamboo toothbrushes are a good alternative to plastic ones. I decided to use my electric toothbrush for a couple more years; but, a few months ago I decided to try out bamboo toothbrushes instead (affiliate link). After writing a full review on this bamboo toothbrush, I realized that it is quite confusing to think about which one is better for the environment… So, I thought it would be a great thing to write about! Here are my thoughts on which one is more eco-friendly – a bamboo or electric toothbrush?

A picture of three bamboo toothbrushes sitting in a cup in the bathroom

Both will give you similar results in terms of brushing.

I always thought that electric toothbrushes were better for your teeth… But that isn’t necessarily the truth! With a bamboo manual toothbrush, you can still brush your teeth extremely well. Regardless of what toothbrush you use, you need to also floss and take good care of your teeth overall. If you do this, you won’t have many issues them. Less issues = less dental waste at the dentist office! 🦷 Those who don’t brush properly or take care of their teeth will often find themselves having to sit through more procedures at the dentist.

You MUST dispose of your bamboo toothbrush properly!

Bamboo toothbrushes are supposed to be a better alternative to plastic ones because they won’t last thousands of years in the landfill. But, bamboo toothbrushes must be disposed of correctly or they can still cause issues. First, many of them still have plastic bristles. Make sure to cut or rip them out before getting rid of the wood handle! Once the bristles are gone, compost the bamboo. If you don’t compost it, the wood will end up in the landfill with other food waste and natural materials. Because there is no oxygen in a landfill, it will create methane while it breaks down… Definitely not something we want! Sure, it won’t last as many years as plastic, but it will emit greenhouse gases if not disposed of properly.

A picture of a hand holding a bamboo toothbrush

An electric toothbrush will last a long time.

In terms of how long a bamboo or electric toothbrush lasts, an electric one can last much longer. This is because the plastic handle can be reused again and again. However, every 3-6 months you should replace the head of the brush. These are obviously made of plastic; but, there are some eco-friendly alternatives! Some brands allow you to send back the heads to be recycled. You can get a pack of 8 recyclable heads for only $10 on Amazon (affiliate link). While sending products back to the company to recycle is a nice option, it does create more shipping emissions.

Bamboo toothbrushes don’t require any electricity use!

Electric toothbrushes either require batteries or have a rechargeable battery inside. The first option isn’t that eco-friendly because you have to change the batteries. Batteries can’t just be thrown in the trash – you must dispose of them properly! The better option would be the rechargable toothbrush. But, this obviously requires electricity use! While it doesn’t take too long to charge the electric toothbrush each time, it is still pulling power off the grid. Sure, there are other ways for you to get electricity (ie. solar), but most people don’t have that option.

Electric is often more costly!

In the bamboo or electric toothbrush debate, price is also something that must be considered. In terms of overall cost, the bamboo toothbrush is much cheaper. For the brushes I bought, you get 5 for only $9 (affiliate link). While some electric toothbrush heads are a similar price point, the actual electric toothbrush is a costly investment up front. There is also a large range of prices too – I’ve seen toothbrushes anywhere from $30 to $200!

Final Thoughts: Bamboo or Electric Toothbrush?

Looking at all the pros and cons of the bamboo or electric toothbrush decision, I think it really comes down to each individual person! I personally love my bamboo toothbrush for a bunch of reasons; but, I think you could definitely still be eco-friendly with an electric toothbrush. If you opt for bamboo, make sure you dispose of it properly! For those fans of electric, choose recyclable heads and take the effort to send them back to the company! For everyone, make sure you take good care of your teeth so that waste in the dentist office can be minimized. 😊 What toothbrush do you use currently?

Love,
Jenna ♥

The Ultimate Guide to Recycling Properly! ♻️

Posted on July 6, 2021July 10, 2024

Hey earth muffins! While recycling isn’t the perfect solution to saving the planet, it is better than having plastic end up in the landfill. I urge you to choose reduce and reuse before recycle; but, it is still good to get in the habit of recycling. This is especially true if you have a great recycling plant near you! 😊 I am lucky enough to live in a place where most things can be recycled. So, I have created a list of my top tips for you all. Here is the ultimate guide to recycling correctly and effectively!

A picture of a blue recycling bin, with the recycle symbol on the side

Don’t be a “wishcycler” – know what you can actually toss in the bin!

Depending on where you live, certain things can and canNOT be recycled. This normally depends on the size/location of your recycling plant. Avoid being a “wishcycler”, defined as someone who adds an item into the recycle bin without knowing if it can actually be recycled. While the act itself is in good spirit (hoping that the item can be recycled), this can lead to issues at the recycling plant. For accurate information on what can be accepted, consider reaching out to an eco-friendly center like Corridor Recycling, which offers comprehensive recycling services and can guide you on the right items to recycle. Take the time to learn what your recycling center actually accepts. While it can be hard to throw away something that could be recycled in another city, it prevents against ruining a batch of recycling or having staff at the center throw it away for you. You bought the item, so you need to dispose of it correctly!

Make sure your recyclables are clean and dry.

Back in 2020, I wrote about how NOT to recycle. In that post, I mentioned that you need to avoid throwing any dirty or wet items into the recycle bin. This is a must if you are trying your best to recycle properly! Having nasty pieces of food in metal cans or sticky drops of soda in glass bottles is a no-no. Exactly how are food particles, water, etc. “recyclable”? Precisely – they aren’t! Take care to dry off any items you wash off.

Learn how to identify the different types of plastic!

Just because an item has the “recycle arrows” on the bottom does NOT mean it can be recycled! ♻️ I had no idea about that until I started my eco journey a few years ago! The number inside the arrows can be used to identify what type of plastic the item is made from. If your local recycling center takes plastics #1-4, do NOT recycle any #5 plastics. This is also helpful when you are shopping; only buy the types of plastics that you know can be recycled in your city! If you are interested in learning more about how to identify plastics, check out this helpful article.

A picture of a recycling guide for Kent County

Keep your recycle bin full of loose items.

Unlike trash, you do NOT want to use plastic bags for your recycling. An essential tip for this guide to recycling: your bin should be full of loose items! This will ensure that the machines do not get stuck on small items such as plastic bags. Plus, it helps with sorting materials to ensure they are all recycled properly. If you have a bag full of metals, glass, and plastic, how can you be sure all of the items get separated? I live in an apartment building, which means we have a shared recycle bin downstairs. I carry my recyclables down in a paper bag and then dump out the bag into the bin before also throwing in the paper bag. My parents have a small recycle bin in the kitchen that gets dumped into a larger bin in the garage – do what works best for you!

Make sure you return cans/glass bottles to a can return.

If you live in a state with a bottle deposit, take those cans and bottles to the can return! Firstly, you get money back just by returning the cans. And, the can returns already have partnerships with companies who will take the returned cans/bottles for recycling. This guarantees that your recyclables are being reused, which is the whole aim of recycling to begin with! If you are looking for a way to make some extra money, getting cans from people in your neighborhood is a nice way to earn a few extra dollars as well.

Stay conscious of your plastic choices; recycling shouldn’t be your first choice!

As I mentioned in the beginning of this post, recycling shouldn’t be your first step on your eco journey. It is crucial to reduce your consumption to avoid plastics to begin with! It is currently Plastic Free July, so take some extra steps this month to limit your plastic intake. Check out my top 10 easiest sustainable swaps if you are stuck on what to tackle first!

How to recycle pinterest pin — Pin now to read later!

Final Thoughts on This Guide to Recycling

I hope this guide to recycling was helpful for you all! While not the best option, recycling is a good place to start for any newbie earth muffins. 😊 The most important thing is to know what your local recycling center accepts! Once you know the rules, only recycle dry, clean, and acceptable items. It’s as easy as that! After you master recycling, make sure you spread these tips to your family and friends too. I know I’ve definitely had to teach people the correct ways of recycling. Do you recycle??

Love,
Jenna ♥

How to Have a Zero Waste Fourth of July

Posted on July 1, 2021July 10, 2024

Hey earth muffins! I can’t believe the 4th of July is already here. It seems like just yesterday I moved into my apartment around this time last year… And (surprise!) I am actually getting ready to move again! With my job being virtual, my boyfriend and I are moving home to save up some money to get a house. Pretty exciting stuff! 😊 While the 4th of July won’t be “typical” this year due to Mister Corona, I wanted to share my tips for how you can have a zero waste Fourth of July. Get ready to party! 🎆

A picture of a man holding a glowing sparkler

If you have a party or BBQ, make sure to use reusables!

I love to celebrate long weekends with some sort of BBQ meal; it reminds me of family celebrations growing up. Regardless of the number of people you have at your house, make sure you stay away from single-use utensils, plates, and cups. I am sure you have plenty of these items in your kitchen already; if not, have your family/friends bring their own cups for the night! Especially since it is Plastic Free July, you definitely do not want to use plastics when there is an easy alternative.

Have plant-based options as well.

There are many tasty options when it comes to plant-based BBQ. From jackfruit pulled pork sandwiches to veggie burgers and hot dogs, make sure you have these as an option! Even for people who haven’t reduced their meat consumption yet, you might be surprised that they want to try out a veggie option. 🥕 If you are feeling like a chef, you can even make your own veggie patties from things like beans, quinoa, and breadcrumbs. I’ve been able to create some pretty tasty burgers in the past, so get creative in the kitchen to have a zero waste Fourth of July!

Make sure you have a recycle station at your party or BBQ!

Many people like to relax with some sort of cold beverage over the long weekend. If you are providing said drinks, make sure to opt for glass or metal cans that can be recycled in your local area. When setting up for your celebration, have recycle bins readily accessible near every trash can. This will ensure more people will remember to toss the cans or glass bottles into the right bin!

A picture of a blonde girl wearing a red, white, and blue plaid shirt

Thrift your red, white, and blue!

I personally think it is fun to wear red, white, and/or blue to celebrate the 4th. But, this can be difficult if you don’t have any of these colors in your closet. Instead of going out and buying something to wear for just one day, borrow from a friend or family member. If none of your friends have anything, then you can check to see if there are any cute items at the thrift store. Make sure you will wear it on a “normal” day too! As I mentioned in my St. Patrick’s Day post, you don’t want to buy a super “themed” shirt that can only be worn on 1 day during the year.

If you want to celebrate with fireworks, go to a city-wide event.

Fireworks aren’t great for the environment; but, many people can’t go without them on the 4th of July. Do NOT buy your own fireworks – go to a local city’s firework show instead. The show is going to take place with or without you in attendance, so why shoot off your own and create more of a negative environmental impact? Plus, a city-wide event is often much more extravagant than something in your backyard. And of course, you won’t accidentally shoot off a finger. 😬 Also avoid things like sparklers or poppers – they create a ton of excess waste!

Final Thoughts on How to Have a Zero Waste Fourth of July

It is totally possible to have a great day of celebration without creating more issues for Mother Earth. When having parties and BBQs, take care to use reusables and have plenty of meatless options available. If you are celebrating with beverages, make sure to recycle all cans and glass containers. In terms of fireworks, just go to the city’s show. Much easier and a better alternative than putting on your own backyard event. How will you be celebrating a zero waste Fourth of July this year?

Love,
Jenna ♥

Why You Should Participate in Plastic Free July!

Posted on June 29, 2021November 14, 2021

Hey earth muffins! It’s crazy to think that I’ve been participating in the Plastic Free July Challenge for a few years now! I’ve written different posts around the month-long challenge, from easy plastic-free swaps to waste audits at the end of the month. But, I haven’t actually written anything specific about why you should want to participate in Plastic Free July. I highly encourage you all to give it a try this year – what do you have to lose! 😊 Here are the top reasons you should participate in Plastic Free July!

We need to start doing something about plastic.

It shouldn’t be a surprise that plastic is a huge issue. Anywhere you look (in a city or in the middle of nowhere) there is plastic littering the planet. And that is just horrible! Regardless on your stance on climate change or sustainability, it is obvious that plastic is a problem. There are tons of statistics to back up this fact as well. While many of them cause me eco-anxiety, I’ll share some of the most eye-opening ones:

50% of all plastics produced are single-use.
Plastic waste is growing at an annual rate of 9%. Just imagine how much trash our kids will have to deal with!
Approximately 91% of plastic is not recycled

Not good stats, right? Trust me, if you do some Googling it is truly terrifying and sad. It is clearly obvious that we need to reduce our usage of plastic… So, why not challenge yourself to avoid plastics during July! 🌎

It’s easy to make changes!

Another reason why you should participate in Plastic Free July is because it is easy to start making changes. I’ve stressed this again and again on Life of an Earth Muffin. Every small swap makes a difference! It doesn’t take a lot of time, money, or energy to start reducing the plastic in your daily routine. This blog has shared a ton of great tips over the years, so I hope you can use it as a resource! If you want some other tips for making easy changes, I suggest looking at the list of ideas on the Plastic Free July website as well.

You don’t need to give up all plastics to participate!

When you sign the pledge to join in on the challenge, there is NOT the expectation that you will forever avoid plastic. There are options for every type of person! If you don’t think you are at the point in your eco journey to avoid all plastics for a month, great. Just choose a few areas of your life to focus on. Don’t think you can avoid plastics due to your job or lifestyle? I challenge you to avoid just one plastic this month! You also don’t have to do the challenge for the full month either – tailor it to your needs and comfort level! But, there is no excuse to not try… I know all you Earth Muffins can do it!

We are stronger together.

Last July, 326 MILLION people took part in this challenge! Spread out across 177 countries, that is an awesome feat and a lot of people! While small changes can make an impact, just imagine the results of 326 million people making those small changes. The number of participants is great, but there is still room for more people to join in. Only 29% of people polled online actually knew about Plastic Free July… Just imagine how much more the impact would be if 600 million people decided to join in! 🎉

Final Thoughts – I Challenge You All to Participate!!

Plastic Free July is an awesome challenge. It really opens your eyes to how much plastic subconsciously gets incorporated into your daily routine. Once you have to actively think about every choice, you realize that you can impact the world for the better with easy swaps. 😊 The stats around plastic pollution are pretty brutal, so I urge you all to push yourself this July. We are stronger together and can make a powerful difference – take the plastic-free challenge today!

Love,
Jenna ♥

The Best Thrift Stores in Grand Rapids, MI

Posted on June 24, 2021June 9, 2024

Hey earth muffins! After I moved out of my college apartment last summer, I wrote a post about my favorite thrift stores in Ann Arbor, MI. Now that I’ve settled into a whole new city, I thought it was time to share my favorite thrift stores in the Grand Rapids area! Mister Corona hindered many of my secondhand shopping plans this past year or so; but, now that I am fully vaccinated I’ve been able to get back into thrifting again. Let’s jump right into my favorite thrift stores in Grand Rapids! 🎉

Rustic Market – 389 68th St. SE

Over the years of perfecting my thrifting routine, I have found that small, local thrift shops often have great finds. This is totally true for Rustic Market. The store is volunteer run and has a nice “local” vibe to it. While the clothing selection isn’t very big, the rest of the store makes up for it. As soon as you walk in, the front of the store is dedicated to secondhand finds for the upcoming holiday(s)… I’ve found some really cute decor here! They also have a nice card selection for various occasions and events. Would definitely recommend shopping around if you are in the area!

World Mission Thrift Store – 2640 Burlingame Ave SW

If you are looking for a huge thrift store, this is the place to go! One of my top tips for thrifting is to look in every single department. Even if you don’t think you will find anything in the men’s clothing, you might actually find some really great stuff. Each section of the store is huge, with a lot of fun stuff to look through. I personally go here when I am looking for some home decor, as they have aisles dedicated to frames, holiday decor, kitchenware, etc. You can find some awesome things here!

Salvation Army – 4281 28th St. SE

I’ve always preferred Salvation Army to Goodwill; but, this is totally an opinion. There are a ton of great Goodwills in Grand Rapids too! I like this Salvation Army because they have a huge clothing department. I’ve found some great pieces here, including some high quality brand names. I remember shopping here during an internship a few summers ago… I found a Carlos Bakery t-shirt and was stupid enough to not purchase it. Definitely regret that every time I shop here. 😂 This location is on 28th Street, which means there are tons of other stores around it – perfect for a day of shopping!

Estate Sales Warehouse – 3524 E Mall Dr SE

While not technically a “thrift store” I had to include this place, as it is relatively close to the Salvation Army I mentioned above. This warehouse sells a bunch of random things from estate sales. While there aren’t a lot of clothing items, there are treasures galore. From furniture to kitchenware to baskets, you can find plenty here! It has rummage sale vibes for sure. I often head here if I have nothing in particular to buy but an itch to thrift… And usually find something super cute for my apartment. 😊 Definitely on my list for the best “thrift” stores in Grand Rapids!

Warehouse One Antiques – 449 Century Ave SW

While this is an antique store, I had to include it on the list anyway. Thrifting and antiquing have very different stereotypes, but I love them both the same. This is a HUGE antique mall; it has two floors and spans an old furniture factory downtown Grand Rapids. It is awesome – just make sure you have a lot of time to look at everything! Each booth is different, and I’ve found plenty of clothes (mostly vintage) among furniture, housewares, and anything else you can think of. Super fun place to go with friends because there is something for everyone.

Final Thoughts on the Best Thrift Stores in Grand Rapids

While there are a ton of other great secondhand stores not mentioned on this list, I wanted to share some of my favorites. I am hoping once Mister Corona settles down even further I’ll be able to thrift shop a bit more this summer… But, no promises! If you are interested in seeing thrift hauls or cute secondhand finds, feel free to follow me on Instagram! What are your favorite thrift stores currently?

Love,
Jenna ♥