Second Hand September: Why (And How) To Get Involved
From unethical high street fashion brands, to the devastating effects fast fashion is having on our planet (and people), these days more and more consumers are waking up to the current fashion crisis — and not a minute too soon.
While I aim to be as sustainable as I can be in every element of my consumer life, I’m sure I’m not alone in the knowledge that there’s definitely more I know I could be doing, especially when it comes to the wardrobe department.
Recently, I was shocked to learn that to manufacture one of my go-to outfits (jeans and a nice tee, naturally) — it would take one person 13 years — read that again — 13 years, to drink the same amount of water needed to make just one pair this key, basic ensemble. That’s why this month, I’ll be taking part in Second Hand September — here’s why you should, too.
What is Second Hand September?
Second Hand September is a 30-day pledge from Oxfam to say ‘no’ to new. In a bid to raise awareness of our unsustainable shopping habits, the idea is to encourage people to avoid buying new items, in favour of second hand. And, for a good reason, too, as according to Oxfam a whopping 336,000 tonnes of used clothing are sent to landfill each year — and that’s just in the UK.
The good news is, it’s probably a lot easier to get involved than you think. And when you consider 13 million items of clothing are still ending up in UK landfills every week, making a few small changes and swaps doesn’t seem like such a big ask at all.
How to get involved
There are plenty of ways to get involved in Second Hand September. Here are just a few…
Visit your local charity shop
As many charity shops struggle to get back on their feet as a result of the lockdown, it’s more important than ever to shop second hand. Plus, as well as helping a worthwhile cause, you’ll be helping to prolong the life of clothing which would otherwise have ended up in landfill.
Shop second hand online
From Depop to eBay, and even local buy-and-sell Facebook groups, if you can’t physically make it to a charity store, why not shop online? Not only will you be doing better for the environment, you’ll be picking up a new-to-you item at a fraction of the price. Win win, right?
Arrange a clothes swap with your friends
Social distancing compliant, of course. Or, why not attend an online clothes swap event - Brighton Girl organises a virtual one every month over on our Facebook page that you can get involved in.
Download the Good on You app
From not having the luxury of time to spend trawling round charity shops, to struggling to find your usual size, it’s not realistic to suggest that everyone shops second hand. That’s where Good on You comes in — an app that allows users to make more sustainable decisions with a ratings-based guide for all your favourite brands.
Sign the Trade Craft Exchange
If there’s one thing coronavirus has exposed, it’s the true ugly underbelly of fast fashion. Over the course of the pandemic, it’s come to light that certain UK brands have been cancelling orders and breaking contracts, which is having devastating effects for factory workers. Sign the Trade Craft Exchange, and help to call them out.
Normalise second hand
While slow fashion is growing, sadly there is still a stigma around wearing second hand. This month, get involved by sharing (and celebrating) your second hand steals using the following hashtags: #RememberWhoMadeThem, #OOOTD (old outfit of the day) and #SecondHandSeptember.
Where to go to find out more
You should look up: Oxfam - Second Hand September
You should watch: Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj - The Ugly Truth of Fast Fashion (vol.6)
You should read: How to Break Up With Fast Fashion by Lauren Bravo
You should listen to: Remember Who Made Them
And you should follow: @emsladedmondson @ajabarber @venetialamanna @ssustainably_
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Written by Danielle Petch