26 Aug 2025
Second Hand September: A simple way to shop with purpose
Second Hand September is back for the whole month of September, and it’s a great opportunity to rethink how we shop, save money, and reduce our environmental footprint all at once.
Launched by Oxfam, Second Hand September is a national campaign that encourages people to say no to new clothes for 30 days and instead choose pre-loved, vintage, or upcycled fashion. It’s a challenge with a real impact, and not just for the planet, but for people too.
Why take part?
The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. Producing new clothes uses vast amounts of water, energy, and raw materials. It also contributes to carbon emissions, pollution, and the growing problem of textile waste.
Here in the UK, we buy more clothes per person than almost anywhere else in Europe, and an estimated 11 million items end up in landfill every week.
By choosing second hand, you’re helping to:
- Reduce textile waste
- Cut carbon emissions
- Save water and energy
- Extend the life of clothes
- Support charities and local shops
- Give old clothes a new life
And it doesn’t stop at clothes. Second Hand September is also a great time to think about how we buy furniture, books, toys, and even tech. Every reused item keeps materials in circulation and out of landfill.
Easy ways to get involved
Here are some simple ways to take part:
- Browse your local charity shops for hidden gems
- Swap clothes with friends or family
- Sell or buy second hand on apps like Vinted or Depop
- Host a community clothes swap
- Repair or upcycle something you already own
- Donate good-quality items to a local reuse scheme
There’s a real joy in finding something unique and giving it a new home. Plus, second hand shopping is often cheaper and more creative than buying brand new.
Tied to bigger sustainability goals
Campaigns like Second Hand September tie in closely with the wider sustainability goals of organisations like ours. As one of the UK’s leading recycling and waste management companies, we are committed to preventing waste and growing the reuse economy.
By choosing second hand, we reduce the demand for new production, keep valuable resources in use for longer, and move towards a more circular way of living, something we wholeheartedly support.
It’s not just about changing how and what we buy. It’s about shifting mindsets into valuing quality over quantity and seeing reuse as a normal, positive part of daily life.
Small changes, lasting impact
Whether you commit to 30 days or simply make a few swaps, Second Hand September is a great reminder that how we shop can help shape a greener future.
Take the challenge this month, explore your local charity shops, and discover how good it feels to buy less, reuse more, and support a more sustainable planet.