Second Hand September: A Sustainable Challenge Worth continuing

It’s hard to believe that September is coming to an end already, I feel like it just began. But September always sees the influx of the ‘back to school’ feeling along with people taking it as an opportunity to reset and set goals for the rest of the year. Me included. But September is also the month for Second-hand September to have the annual drum banged. I’m right behind it. But to be frank, one month a year isn’t enough for us to make marked differences in the environmental situation of our planet. And off the back of possibly the most winter-irest September weekend I can remember, I thought I’d do another pledge for Second-Hand September – what it is, how you can get involved and why it’s important. In the hope that you might think about how you can continue to do some of these things for months to come. 

Second-Hand September was launched in 2019 by Oxfam with the aim of reduce the environmental impact of fashion while supporting ethical and sustainable alternatives. They developed this global initiative to encourage everyone to not buy anything new and embrace pre-loved for the whole month. 

Although awareness of environmental issues of fashion are growing – it’s still one of the top three contributors to pollution and waste. 

Why participate in Second Hand September?

• Reduce waste: The fashion industry produces over 92 million tons of waste annually. By buying second-hand, you reduce the demand for new items and help cut down on waste.
• Lower your carbon footprint: The production and transportation of new clothes involves energy-intensive processes that contribute to carbon emissions. Currently fashion is the third largest producer of carbon (more than the airline & shipping industry combined) so by choosing second-hand, it extends the lifespan of existing clothes and reduces your overall carbon footprint.
• Unique pieces: Yes it’s good for the planet, but it’s also fun (or should be). Charity shops, clothes swaps, vintage markets are all heaving with one-of-a-kind pieces that will help you stand out. You’re not a carbon copy of the other girl who just walked out with the whole of Zara (although a lot of Zara does turn up in these places too…).
• You can experiment: The fun of second-hand I find is also that I can experiment with items I wouldn’t want to spend lots of money on in case I don’t end up liking it. You can buy something cheaper second-hand to give something a go and see what you think. It doesn’t need to be revolutionary, but it might help you discover a whole new side to your style. If you don’t like it, swap it back!
• Support charities: There are so many charity shops which have amazing items, so why not head to explore a new part of London and support them while you’re there. We’ll do a write up on some of our favourite ones soon!
• Save money: Pretty simple, new clothes cost more than pre-loved clothes. So now you’ve spent all your pocket money drinking Aperols all summer, why not rejoice in saving a few pennies by sourcing second-hand.
• Rediscover old items: I’m guilty of it to, I look at my wardrobe and feel like I’ve got nothing to wear (despite my boyfriend telling me that’s impossible because look how many clothes I have – why don’t boys ever feel like this (possibly huge generalisation)) – anyway, I encourage you to wear something you haven’t in a while and – if you take it off immediately or feel bad in it all day – put it in the pile labelled SWAP or CHARITY. There is no point in keeping things you don’t want, but equally, by not allowing yourself to buy anything new and having to reach for pieces you already own, you might just discover something you’d forgotten about! 

Easy ways to get involved in Second-Hand (whether it’s September or not)

1. Pop in to charity shops

You don’t have to set off on huge expeditions to try and find pre-loved items. Just pop in to your local charity shop on your way home and see what they have (FYI, Second Hand September doesn’t have to be limited to clothes. Need a new kitchen bowl – have a look for that too!). The fun thing about charity shops is that you never know what you’re going to find.

2. Download Vinted

Just have a quick look on platforms like Vinted and Depop for that item you’ve been trying to find. At least you can see the sorts of prices and quality they are going for and then it’ll also help you realise whether you really want it after you see what it’s like after a few wears. The photos of the model on the website wearing it new is one thing, but after you’ve worn it a bit, will it look the same?

3. Come to a clothes swap

Obviously we’re biased, but it’s a pretty easy way to pop along to shop pre-loved in a nice setting. You have to rifle less, can clear out your wardrobe at the same time and you might meet some nice people.

4. Upcycle and DIY

Sometimes, your wardrobe just needs a little creativity. Why not think about redesigning a piece you love the print of but are bored of the items? Apps like Newless & Loom are trying to make this super accessible but you don’t even have to go for a whole redesign, just get something mended that you’ve stopped wearing because it’s broken or the wrong length. It might cost you £10-20 but you’ve just given that item a whole new life. Or add some patches to a plain jacket, put some embroidery on your jean pockets – sometimes the simplest things become your favourite. Companies like The Seam are amazing for this.

5. Tell someone about it

Change will only become lasting and impactful if lots of us do it. If you’re taking part in Second-Hand September, tag us in your photos of old items you’ve rediscovered or new pre-loved pieces you’ve found so that we can make some noise. We can’t do it alone.

Making It Last Beyond September

As I say, if you did end up enjoying Second-Hand September, why not think about carrying it on even if you just think of one thing you’ll start doing to be better. New habits don’t only have to be picked up in New Year (in fact it’s better if they aren’t) – but maybe, just maybe, you’ll have found a new way of interacting with the clothes in your wardrobe. The goal of the exercise isn’t to just avoid new for this month, but to encourage more mindful consumption. So just triple check you need all those things in your Zara basket before you click check-out. Future you will thank you.