Every week, 11 million items of clothing end up in landfill. We live in a very wasteful and throwaway culture and Second Hand September is trying to help tackle this.
I’m a huge advocate of buying second hand whenever possible. Not only is it a great way to save money but you also help save the planet because it’s not supporting fast fashion or increasing demand as the item already exists.
If you’re interested in reducing waste in other aspects of your life, definitely check out my list of 11 affordable, reusable and eco friendly alternatives which are all conveniently available to buy on Amazon!
So, what is Second Hand September?
Oxfam are running a campaign called Second Hand September encouraging people to only buy second hand clothing for the 30 days throughout September.
Nowadays, if a button is missing or a zip is broken, a lot of people think of throwing it out rather than mending it. We feel the need to buy a new outfit for almost every occasion only intending to wear it once and don’t stop to think about the environmental impact that it has:
Buying just one white cotton shirt produces the same amount of emissions as driving 35 miles in a car.
Although this campaign/challenge runs for 30 days, I hope it encourages you to buy more second hand items in general, past September. I can’t believe how much money I’ve saved since turning to charity shops and second hand sites first when I’m looking to buy something; and how I’ve drastically reduced my fast fashion consumption.
You can expand this idea and challenge yourself to buy nothing new at all. Read my how to get free stuff blog post to find out more. I have a dedicated post for free food too.
To show that you’re supporting Second Hand September, go to Oxfam’s dedicated webpage and sign up (for free) to get regular emails throughout September with tips and information such as how to find great second hand deals. They also have a Second Hand September graphic for you to download and a status for you to share on social media to help spread the word. Make sure to use the hashtag #SecondHandSeptember on Facebook and Twitter and also tag Oxfam to be entered into their weekly prize draws!
I’ll also be sharing tips and info on my Instagram page throughout September, as well as some outfit posts made up entirely of second hand items from charity shops or online marketplaces.
Whether you buy a top for 50p in your local charity shop or purchase a designer item for half it’s original price on eBay, it counts. The campaign is about not buying new from the store. I’ve bought plenty of brand new items with the tags still on just because the original buyer no longer wanted them for whatever reason.
If Second Hand September has got you thinking about the things you no longer want and would like to offer second hand to other people, click here to learn how to sell your unwanted things and make money! It’s a great feeling knowing the items you no longer love are going to be enjoyed by someone else.
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram to keep up to date with my Second Hand September posts!
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