Shop "Green" at These 5 Twin Cities Thrift Stores

You probably follow a green lifestyle by cutting down on energy and water consumption at your Springs apartment home. Why not add thrift store shopping to your eco-friendly activities? It conserves manufacturing resources and gives new life to items that would otherwise end up in a landfill. We've rounded up a list of five great Twin Cities thrift stores for you to explore.

1. Succotash
781 Raymond Avenue
St. Paul

Popular shows like Mad Men have rekindled an interest in mid-century modern retro style. Succotash features 100 percent recycled items from the 1950s through the 1970s. Merchandise ranges from furniture and home decor to records and toys to funky collector's items like an iconic Farrah Fawcett t-shirt.

2. b. resale
2613 Nicollet Avenue
Minneapolis 55408

This fun shop carries a wide assortment of designer clothing, footwear and accessories for men and women. You'll find top-quality names like Pendleton and London Fog in the mix. Stock also includes new pieces from local, eco-friendly designers. b.resale is so committed to sustainability that they are bag-free, so be sure to bring your own reusable tote.

3. Ax-Man Surplus Store
1639 University Avenue
St. Paul

When you visit Ax-Man, don't be surprised when you find things you didn't even know that you needed. The store buys surplus goods from companies and individuals, making for a random — but fascinating —variety of products. Recent arrivals include plastic Northwest Airline cups, Christmas candles and HDMI video cables. Ax-Man is a treasure trove of supplies for DIY crafters and hobbyists.

4. Kismet Consignment
601 N. Broadway
Rochester 55906

"Kismet" means fate or destiny, and you'll certainly find a number of items that you were just meant to have. The shop is actually three stores in one, featuring clothing and accessories, home decor and furniture. Merchandise is sold on consignment, so you can fund your purchases by selling some of your own items to a new home.

5. Steeple People Thrift Store
2004 Lyndale Avenue S.
Minneapolis 55403

In addition to clothing, furniture and housewares, this shop features a number of specialty items like seasonal accessories, books, CDs and DVDs, and jewelry. Profits go toward community outreach programs of Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, which has distributed more than $800,000 to local charities over the last 35 years.

Are you a thrift store expert? Share your shopping tips with us in the comments?