It's been a while since we received a request to purchase an emergency kit. Saskia then immediately set to work to see if that could also be done in a sustainable way. Yes, it can. You can read the results of our sustainable emergency kit here. And for a number of items, you can do very well at charity shops. It saves quite a bit, because putting together an emergency kit isn't a cheap business. Here comes the greenlist- shopping list for emergency kit items from charity shops!
Surprising: emergency radio from the charity shop!
Meanwhile, I’m almost due for my six-monthly check: is everything still working in our emergency kit and are the non-perishable items still good? But from a small survey among our followers, it appears that quite a lot of people don't have an emergency kit at all yet. So for everyone who still needs to get started, or needs to top up their kit: definitely check out the charity shop! You can score a surprising amount of items for next to nothing.
Second-hand stuff for your emergency kit!
Okay, I have to admit, I was a bit critical at first. Making an emergency kit is quite a job. You're quickly tempted to order everything online, so you can just tick it off. So going to the charity shop with your missing items list – when you're not even sure if they have it – felt a bit like a hurdle. I had to psych myself up for that. But I was (as is usually the case) pleasantly surprised. You can also find emergency kit items here surprisingly well. The charity shop really has everything. I found these:
- Emergency radio Honestly, I wouldn't have expected this, but according to charity shops, they come in surprisingly often (I've checked). So it wasn't just a fluke. Feel free to ask at the counter if they have one or if they can hold one back for you.
- Torch A good torch is a must if the power goes out. They can often be found at charity shops for a few euros. Just check if it still works and then pop to the supermarket or chemist for new batteries.
- Power bank Also useful: a power bank to charge your phone when there's no power. Test in the shop to see if it still works.
- Warm wool blankets Many charity shops have beautiful vintage wool blankets hanging up. Perfect for keeping warm if the heating breaks down.
- Suitcase or backpack The emergency advice often recommends storing your emergency kit in a bag or suitcase so you can take it with you quickly if necessary. You'll also almost always find those at a charity shop.
- LED lights instead of candles: Candles are often on the lists for an emergency kit, but LED lights are actually a lot more practical and safer. You can place them in multiple spots around the house and leave them burning calmly. They are available as rechargeable or battery-operated. Just check if everything still works and make sure you have new batteries, just like with that radio.
- Percolator for coffee lovers: a tip from a follower is a simple percolator. With that, you can still make a cup of coffee on a gas burner or small fire. Just don't forget to put a packet of coffee in your emergency supply.
Conclusion: putting together an emergency kit doesn't have to be an expensive undertaking. Anyone who takes a good look around the charity shop can find surprisingly many items for a song. And the great thing is, you're immediately giving items a second life. So, do you still need to put together or supplement your emergency kit? Take your list with you to the charity shop. There's a good chance you'll find more there than you think. These emergency kit items we found at the charity shop at kringloop de Boem in Amstelveen.
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Photo credits: thegreenlist.nl.
