Secondhand September: good for your purse and the planet

Shoestring Jane looks at Secondhand September and how pre-loved items can be good for the environment, your wallet and your wardrobe

It has been five years since Oxfam launched its first Secondhand September campaign.

Secondhand September is the month when thousands of people commit to buying only preloved clothes or choose to upcycle clothes from their existing wardrobes.

Since 2019, with increased awareness of the environmental damage that excessive consumption of fast fashion causes, the idea of preloved fashion has taken off.

Oxfam said last year on its Instagram page that sales of secondhand clothing had increased by 32%, as people embrace the slow fashion movement.

Why take part in Secondhand September?

There are so many good reasons to buy preloved clothing, and here are a few:

1# Fast fashion causes environmental destruction

Fast fashion is just that: it is produced quickly and cheaply to follow fast-changing trends, is usually not made to last, we make speedy and barely considered purchases as it is so inexpensive and we often discard the items just as quickly as we buy them.

Much of the clothing from fast fashion manufacturers is produced using plastic fabrics derived from climate-warming fossil fuels.

Added to the fossil fuels used in packaging and transportation this means that the clothing industry, “…has a heavy carbon footprint, which is responsible for up to 10% of total global carbon emissions, more than the total from flying and shipping, and is estimated to increase by 50% by 2030.” (Ethical Consumer website)

When you buy secondhand instead of new, you can help reduce the impact of fast fashion on our planet.

2# The waste issue

Despite what fast fashion manufacturers would have you believe, only 1% of discarded clothing is recycled into new garments. Globally we produce 92 million tonnes of textile waste each year. 87% will end up in landfill or incinerators.

Each time a garment containing plastic fibres is washed, minute plastic microfibres are released into our water systems, our oceans and our natural world. They make their way into our drinking water, our food and our bodies. They have even been found in the placentas of unborn babies! You can find more of the grisly statistics here.

Oxfam says that in the UK alone 6462 tonnes of clothing is sent to landfill every week. Extend the life of clothing by buying secondhand, and don’t fall for the greenwash of companies such as Shein.

According to Ethical Consumer, ‘Our analysis of Shein’s website found its recycled content was … only 0.5%, despite the brand claiming, “When selecting materials, we do our best to source recycled fabric, such as recycled polyester.”

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3# You can support good causes

Buying secondhand clothing from charities such as Oxfam or from smaller independent charity shops local to you provides a crucial stream of income for the work that they do. Donating your unwanted goods is another way to support your favourite charities without denting your bank balance.

If you can’t get to a charity shop, you can now donate online with Oxfam. In addition, many charities often sell on platforms such as eBay.

4# You can save money

Secondhand clothing can be found at a fraction of the price of new goods. When you are on a tight budget, it makes financial sense to buy used items.

Personally, I buy 95% of my clothing preloved every month of the year, not just September! It has saved me a tonne of money over the years.

5# It’s fun and addictive

I often say that once you realise the amazing secondhand clothing bargains there are to be had, you will resent paying the full price for new items. You can pick up wardrobe staples like jackets and jeans, alongside designer gear, sports wear and rare vintage finds.

If you are handy with a needle and thread, you can purchase things cheaply and restyle or upcycle them, as well as finding fabric, wool and crafting materials. Check out the #upcycledclothing hashtag on Instagram for amazing creative ideas and inspiration. I particularly love Marcia Lois Riddington, who creates amazing dresses from the vintage fabrics she finds.

Final thoughts

Secondhand September is the perfect opportunity for you to have a wardrobe clearout, and pass on items you no longer need. You can donate or sell on – the main thing is that you are embracing the ethos of secondhand and doing your bit to help the environment.

Decide to have a rummage in the charity shops, car boot sales and also check out online platforms such as Vinted for secondhand garments. Once you get the bug, you may want to make every month a secondhand month.

And why stop at clothing? Furniture and homewares, tools and toys, art and collectibles, books and media are all available to purchase preloved, saving you money and preventing further landfill waste and unnecessary use of scarce resources.

Make Secondhand September the impetus you need to shop more ethically whilst saving money too.

Photo credits: Pexels