Finding Purpose and Profit in Retirement with The Conservation Company Store

My Journey Selling Second-Hand on eBay

When I first retired, I knew I wanted to stay busy and do something meaningful. I didn’t want a hobby that just filled my days—I wanted one that aligned with my values and gave me purpose. That’s when I turned to eBay and started The Conservation Company Store.

My store is more than just a way to pass the time; it’s my small contribution to environmental conservation. By selling second-hand items, I’m helping to keep usable things out of landfills and generating some income to reinvest in environmental education and conservation projects. It’s a hobby with a mission; the best part is that anyone can do it.

Keeping Items Out of Landfills

It’s a little surreal to look around the house and realize how many things we accumulate over a lifetime. Like many people my age, I’d spent decades collecting items—some useful, some sentimental, and some that seemed important at the time. But now, with our kids grown and uninterested in taking most of these items, I face the common dilemma of what to do with everything. Throwing things away didn’t sit right with me. So many items still had life left in them; they needed a new home.

Through The Conservation Company Store, I’ve found a way to rehome these items, giving them a second chance to be useful to someone else. Each sale feels like a small victory for sustainability. Whether it’s an old set of dishes, books, tools, or even some long-forgotten collectibles, I know that each item sold is one less thing heading to the landfill. And each one finds a new purpose in someone else’s hands.

Earning While Preserving

Of course, the extra income has been a pleasant perk. Selling on eBay isn’t just about recouping some of the value in items I no longer need; it also helps fund my passion for environmental education and resource conservation. Any “profits” I make from the store go back into my ongoing projects and support for various conservation efforts. I do not take any “salary” from sales. I pay expenses for websites and other platforms I use to create and post nature and environmental stewardship information. I set aside 30% of my profit to contribute to national and local conservation initiatives and support a few social media creators doing good work. In a nutshell, The Conservation Company is a for-profit – public-benefit business. This is my way of being a conservation entrepreneur.

I don’t need much in my retirement but knowing that my sales support causes I care about deeply gives me a sense of purpose. It’s rewarding to know that each transaction contributes significantly to a positive environmental impact. So, it's a “hobby with a purpose.”

Downsizing with Purpose

Many people face downsizing as they age, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, selling secondhand has given me a newfound appreciation for living with less. There’s something freeing about letting go of items, knowing they’re moving on to people who will appreciate and use them. I’ve turned what might have felt like a chore into a rewarding process of simplification and sustainability.

Selling on eBay has also been a fantastic way to document and share the story behind each item. I’ll describe the item’s history, what makes it unique, or why it might be special to a buyer. For me, this is part of the fun—showing each item’s journey, giving it a voice, and connecting with people from all walks of life who find joy in these objects.

A Hobby for Anyone, Anywhere

What I love most about The Conservation Company Store is how accessible this hobby is. All you need is a computer or smartphone, some items you’re ready to part with, and a bit of patience to learn the basics of listing and selling. You can start your little store quickly, whether you want to downsize, clear out, or make extra money.

For anyone considering it, I say go for it. Not only is it easy to get started, but you’ll also find joy in rehoming items and connecting with buyers. Plus, you can go at your own pace, listing as few or as many items as you want. It’s an adaptable and sustainable way to turn what you have into something useful for others—and maybe make some extra cash.

Final Thoughts

What began as a small way to downsize retirement has become a fulfilling venture that aligns with my values. The Conservation Company Store is my way of practicing conservation on a small scale. Every item that goes to a new home is a small step in the right direction toward reducing waste, supporting sustainability, and investing in environmental education.

I encourage anyone looking to simplify or add purpose to their retirement to consider a similar path. It’s not just about selling items; it’s about making a difference, even one sale at a time. So, here’s to all the small actions, the second chances, and the lasting impact we can have, even in retirement.

CLICK HERE to visit the Conservation Company Store