We have all heard the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle mantra more times than we can count. Recycling has long been a topic in the public eye, and of late, so has reducing one's consumption. But somewhere along the line that middle guy, reuse, gets lost in the shuffle. A key part of trying to live a more eco life should be attempting to use what you've got, in new and inventive ways. (Example: recycle old wooden crates into vegetable garden planters). But there will be many times when you find that you do need to purchase something that you don't already own. When those times arise, try buying used goods first whenever it makes sense to do so. A great place to start are flea markets. Of late, the term "flea market" has also come to include places that specialize mostly in knockoff handbags and other phony goods (and we know that stuff is all far from eco). But there are some quality flea markets still in operation, including the roving Phila Flea Markets which start for the season this Saturday, May 3rd at the 22nd & Fairmount Eastern State Penitentiary location.

Entire schedule is as follows:

Sat, May 3rd (Rain Date – Sun, May 4th) 22nd & Fairmount (Prison)
Sat, May 17th (Rain Date – Sun, May 18th) 10th & South
Sat, June 7th (Rain Date – Sun, June 8th) 22nd & Chestnut
Sat, June 14th (Rain Date – Sat, June 21st) 3rd & Pine

Sat, Sept. 6th (Rain Date – Sun, Sept. 7th) 22nd & Fairmount (Prison)
Sat, Sept. 20th (Rain Date – Sun, Sept. 21st) 10th & South
Sat, Oct. 4th (Rain Date – Sun, Oct. 5th) 22nd & Chestnut
Sat, Oct. 18th (Rain Date – Sat, Oct. 25th) 3rd & Pine

So go check out the used goods this Saturday, and while you are there, be sure to hop across Fairmount Avenue to Mugshots CoffeeHouse and Cafe, where their yummy seasonal menus are prepared to reflect their philosophy of serving food from local, organic sources whenever possible.

Image Credit: flickr user lilivc