5 simple ways you can get involved with #SecondHandSeptember
#SecondHandSeptember is a 30-day campaign run by Oxfam encouraging people across the UK to stop buying new clothes for the month in a bid to curb our fast fashion habits — and it's easy for everyone to get involved with.
While the change in how we shop should be permanent, the campaign exists to help us all rethink the way we consume for the sake of the planet. In the UK alone, around a whopping 11 million items of clothing end up in the landfill every day, research by Oxfam has found.
Some simple swaps, such as shopping second-hand, can make a mighty difference. The charity explains: "Join Second Hand September and pledge to shop only second hand for 30 days or more. You'll give clothes a longer life by keeping them from landfill. And by shopping with Oxfam, you'll be reinvesting your money into helping the poorest people on the planet earn a fair living and beat poverty."
How can you get involved?
There are plenty of ways you can get involved with the initiative. Take a look at them below...
1. Have a clear out
Want a clutter-free closet? Sorting out any garments you no longer wear will free up your wardrobe space, while also helping to put you in a positive state of mind. Before giving your clothes to charity shops, ensure they are clean and without stains. If you're looking to make some extra cash, there are many options for you to sell garments via Facebook Marketplace or Depop.
Not sure where to start? Read our interview with Tara Button, founder of BuyMeOnce, who shares her tips on how to declutter like a pro.
2. Swap clothes with friends
If you have items of clothing that you no longer wear, why not swap them with someone else? Your trash could be someone else's treasure. Whether it's a dress, jumper or a winter coat, swapping clothes is much better than buying — and can help to curb fast fashion, too.
3. Shop second-hand
Buying second-hand helps to lower the overall demand for new clothing to be produced. Whether it's popping into your local charity store or swapping clothing on an app, doing so will help to prolong the life of items that would otherwise end up on landfill. Never shopped second-hand before? #SecondHandSeptember is a great time to give it a go.
4. Upcycle your old garments
We are consuming household objects and clothing at an unsustainable rate, regularly replacing broken items for newer versions instead of simply cleaning, fixing or upcycling them.
Refresh old garments by giving them a new lease of life; turn tired-looking jeans into a pair of shorts, dye an old shirt a new colour or add some playful patchwork prints onto a denim jacket. Upcycling old garments not only refreshes what you currently own, but it will help to prolong the life of some of your favourite pieces. Why not get creative?
5. Continue the discussion on social media
A simple way to keep up the momentum around shopping second hand is to share the campaign across social media using the hashtag #SecondHandSeptember. It's a simple way to share your tips and tricks with others.
Need some further advice? Read our articles on ethical fashion:
5 clothes swapping apps and websites to trade your second-hand items
6 sustainable and eco-friendly wedding dress companies you'll love
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