In this project, I explore how communication design can empower and build communities around supporting a circular economy through everyday actions of engaging in second-hand (thrifting) and associated Do-It-Yourself (DIY) practices. To guide my design inquiry, I developed research questions which are: How can I use the medium of the zine to visually communicate lived experiences and values of second-hand (thrifting)? How can I empower communities to engage in second-hand (thrifting) as a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) practice that supports a circular economy such as recycling, reusing, repairing, and repurposing?

I formalized my findings from the seven informal interviews through a zine. My aimed to disseminate my findings by illuminating people’s stories of their unique second-hand items such as clothing, albums, and vintage technology. I found that each person describes how donated items are discovered and integrated into their life for continued use. This information flowed naturally and freely as each participant described their memorable most find. I named the zine ‘Gently Used’ after looking at the brand voices and wording on the websites of thrift stores such as Salvation Army, Talize, and Goodwill. The theme of ‘gently used’ threads through each of the stories with different sub-themes coming to the forefront depending on the context of the item, such as ‘it’s about the hunt and the unexpected, ‘enough life left to be useful (and meaningful)’, ‘fun find’, ‘previously loved’, ‘unique find’, and ‘envision a new life for a gently used item’.