Second Hand September

I’m not sure where I’ve been, but I’ve only just become aware of Second Hand September. I really like the concept behind it and think it’s something you may also want to get involved in.

What is Second Hand September?

Second Hand September is an initiative organised by the charity Oxfam. The campaign encourages people to avoid buying new items of clothing for the 30 days of September. The aim of this is to raise awareness of the environmental impact of the fashion industry.

Every week 13 million items of clothing end up in landfill. Throwaway fashion is putting pressure on our planet and its people – it’s unsustainable.

The Oxfam website also has some other shocking facts such as it would take 13 years to drink the water need to make one t-shirt and a pair of jeans. The clothes sent to UK landfill every year weigh as much as the Empire State!

Shopping Second Hand

Buying clothing and accessories that are pre-owned is something I have been doing the past few years. I think growing up people had a negative opinion of you if you shopped in charity shops – kid’s are mean. As we become more aware of the implications fast fashion has on the environment more people are shopping second hand. I am looking to move away from fast fashion as much as possible.

Shopping pre-owned has allowed me to be able to purchase designer items I wouldn’t normally be able to justify the cost of. Take the trousers in this post as an example. They are Burberry and I picked them up for a quarter of the price of them brand new. This Givenchy bag is also pre-owned and half the price of brand new. I’ve actually written a whole post on why I don’t see the point in paying full price for designer. Not only have I saved money but these items have been given a new lease of life by someone who absolutely loves them.

It isn’t just about designer. I’ve also been able to get my hands on items I’ve wanted that I’ve seen in store that sold out. Back in 2016 I bought a pre-owned Zara coat that sold out instantly only (you can check it out here) and I still have it now.

 

How to get involved

You can share your pledge to only shop second hand for 30 days with Oxfam by using #SecondHandSeptember and tagging @OxfamGB on Instagram and Twitter.

Obviously you can visit your local Oxfam store (or other local charity shop etc) but for those like me who often prefer to shop online you can visit Oxfam’s online shop. They have some great pieces on there. You can search by brand, price, colour and size etc. If you like my checked trousers there happens to be a very similar pair of Ralph Lauren jeans for just £31.99. There are designer brands like Burberry, Calvin Klein, Max Mara and Hugo Boss. If designer isn’t for you there are plenty of high street brands like Ted Baker, Karen Millen, ASOS, River Island, Topshop and Hobbs. If you’re shopping from Oxfam the money goes towards funding their poverty beating work worldwide.

Even if you aren’t looking to buy anything at the moment you can still get involved. How about upcycling something you already own to get more wear out of it. Or, if you have things that you no longer wear, how about donating them.

If you do get involved in Second Hand September then please tag me @lifesacatwalk_ along with Oxfam so I can see how you get on.