Join Felicity Jones to fight throwaway fashion - for good.
You'll likely have heard of Secondhand September, but do you know what the month-long initiative from Oxfam, this year fronted by actress Felicity Jones, actually entails or why it's so important that you get involved if you can?
All good questions. It's a campaign from the charity to encourage others to shop secondhand for an entire month. That is, only buy vintage clothes or pre-loved items for the entire thirty days of September.
Why's it so important? Well, in short, because we're facing a climate crisis and fast fashion is one of the major culprits. Clothes being produced in high volume and sold at a low cost has a huge carbon footprint and harms both people and planet. Fast fashion alone is thought to produce as much as 92 million tonnes of waste every year.
That's where Oxfam comes in with their secondhand initiative. "By shopping secondhand with Oxfam or donating to Oxfam shops, you’re investing your money in vital work beating poverty around the world," explains Harriet Hernando, PR officer at Oxfam.
"You’re also supporting people to speak out and stand up to the climate crisis and helping create a better fairer and greener future for everyone," she continues.
Keep scrolling for an expert-led guide to Secondhand September, what it is and how to get involved - oh, and don't miss our guides to the best charity shops, best dress rental sites and best online vintage clothes stores, while you're here.
What is Secondhand September?
According to Hernando, Secondhand September is, simply put, Oxfam’s campaign to celebrate shopping pre-loved.
"It's also to raise awareness about the harmful effects of fast fashion on our planet and the people who make our clothes," she explains. "Oxfam wants to encourage people to think twice about their shopping habits, so we’re asking the public to only buy second hand for the month of September and to donate their pre-loved items to Oxfam."
When did Secondhand September begin?
A bit of history for you - the Secondhand September campaign is now in its fourth year, with more than 50,000 people sharing the #SecondHandSeptember hashtag on social media last year.
"The Oxfam Online Shop saw more than 8,000 new shoppers and an uplift in sales of 46%," explains Hernando. "People really embraced the campaign to wear second-hand and, in doing so, raised funds for Oxfam’s work beating poverty around the world."
See - sustainable living never looked so simple.
How can I get involved?
It's simple - anyone can get involved by following the three steps below:
1. Donate
Got some old clothes lying around that just don't fit you anymore or may look better on someone else? Take them to your local Oxfam to do your bit.
You can find your nearest Oxfam shop using the online shop finder tool on the Oxfam website.
2. Shop
Not got any clothes to donate but keen to invest in some pre-loved fashion? You can also shop from the comfort of your home on the Oxfam online shop, explains Hernando.
3. Social
If you do manage to grab a secondhand bargain, don’t forget to share your one-of-a-kind find using the #SecondHandSeptember hashtag and tagging @OxfamGB.
That way, you help raise awareness of shopping more sustainably this September and in months to come, too.
4 top tips for embracing Secondhand September:
1. Look online
Most people don't realise Oxfam has a whole secondhand site online, so if you're shopping for something specific, try their site first.
"You can filter to find a particular brand, style, colour to find what you’re looking for," explains Hernando.
2. Repair, repair, repair
Instead of throwing damaged clothes away, why not try and fix them?
"Missing buttons can be replaced and holes can be mended to get the most out of your clothes for longer," the expert advises.
3. Try upcycling
Ever considered upcycling clothes and refashioning them into something you need or love? "A cashmere jumper could become a cashmere beanie in no time," explains Hernando.
4. Organise your wardrobes seasonally
This one's simple but seriously effective. "At the end of each season, try putting your clothes away in storage boxes and getting them out again the following year," advises the expert. "You’ll be surprised how those clothes start to feel ‘new’ again after a little separation."
-
I just sat down with a celebrity tan expert and he told me that these are the only tanning tools you need for a streak-free glowYour ultimate at-home tan kit
-
Anne Hathaway had to kiss 10 men during a 'gross' chemistry audition early in her careerUgh
-
There was a hidden code in Baby Reindeer that everyone completely missedDid you spot it?
-
Keen to celebrate Earth Day? 5 simple ways you can inspire change and build a better tomorrowLiving sustainably doesn't need to feel unattainable or overwhelming.
-
Heard about microplastics but not sure what they actually are? Your guide to the dangers they pose, plus how to avoid themThe tiny plastics are more harmful than you'd imagine.
-
You’ve heard of greenwashing, but do you know how to spot - and stop - it happening?This Earth Month, educate yourself on the most obvious red flags.
-
I'm a Beauty Director who's passionate about using sustainable products - here's how I make sure I'm using trustworthy brandsAs a conscious consumer navigating the sea of green claims, I find ethical brands with B Corp certification offer clear guidance.
-
Our fourth annual Marie Claire UK Sustainability Awards are here - and we can't wait to welcome your entriesIt's time to celebrate businesses that are a force for good.
-
Joanna Dai: "I always believed in the power of brands to influence change"This B Corp month, we chat to a dynamic changemaker about building businesses that are a genuine force for good.
-
B Corp brands: 35 to have on your radar to help you shop more sustainablyShop smart this B Corp month and help save our planet.
-
Meet Dr. Rosa Vásquez Espinoza, the National Geographic explorer championing cultural preservation and female empowerment in scienceDespite facing discrimination, she's a role model for women in science and conservation, advocating tirelessly for equality and representation.
