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Secondhand September: Rethinking Fashion for a Greener Future

Join the movement this September to challenge fast fashion, reduce waste, and give new life to pre-loved clothes and goods.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 27, 2025

Join the movement this September to challenge fast fashion, reduce waste, and give new life to pre-loved clothes and goods.

Every September, a global movement challenges shoppers to turn away from fast fashion: Secondhand September is more than a campaign—it’s a call to embrace a more sustainable, thoughtful approach to consumption. Supported by Oxfam and various sustainability organizations, this initiative urges people to buy only pre-loved items for a month, spotlighting the environmental and social impacts of our shopping habits.

What Is Secondhand September?

Secondhand September is an annual campaign launched by Oxfam, encouraging consumers to shop secondhand for the entire month of September and to donate unused items to charity, primarily to Oxfam stores.
The campaign aims to raise awareness about the environmental repercussions of fast fashion, promote the reuse of clothing and goods, and shift consumer behavior toward “pre-loved” fashion choices.

Reduce waste: Every item bought secondhand helps limit landfill growth and the carbon footprint of buying new.
Combat fast fashion: Encourages the public to rethink throwaway culture and the supercharged production cycles of the fashion industry.
Support charitable work: Purchases and donations help fund organizations working to alleviate poverty.

Why Secondhand September Matters

The campaign’s inception highlights a growing recognition that fast fashion is depleting earth’s resources at an unsustainable pace. According to Oxfam, over two tonnes of new clothing are purchased every minute in the UK alone, producing nearly 50 tonnes of carbon emissions—equivalent to driving around the world six times per minute. Over the course of a month, new clothing emissions in the UK surpass the carbon cost associated with 900 flights around the globe.
On a global scale, the fashion industry is on track to produce 138 billion unworn garments annually by 2050, driving an unprecedented waste crisis.

Environmental damage: Fast fashion is responsible for significant air and water pollution and immense carbon emissions.
Resource extraction: New clothing production consumes massive quantities of water, energy, and raw materials.
Social impact: Workers in fast fashion supply chains often face poor conditions and unfair wages.

Beyond Clothes: The Importance of Buying Secondhand

While the campaign’s focus is on clothing, Secondhand September extends to electronics, furniture, sports goods, and more. Electronic waste (“e-waste”) is now the fastest growing waste stream globally. Refurbishing gadgets can slash environmental impact: a new smartphone has a carbon footprint of around 55kg CO₂, compared to just 15kg CO₂ for a refurbished device. This represents an almost 80% reduction.

Cutting emissions: Every secondhand purchase means fewer emissions from manufacturing and transport.
Upholding circular economy: Reuse, repair, and recycling extend product lifespans and reduce resource demand.

How Did Secondhand September Begin?

First launched by Oxfam in 2019, Secondhand September quickly gained traction as consumers, influencers, and sustainability advocates spread the message online. The campaign is now in its seventh year, with more than 50,000 people sharing the #SecondHandSeptember hashtag in 2024 alone. Oxfam reported a 46% increase in sales and over 8,000 new online shoppers during the month, demonstrating the campaign’s growing influence.

How You Can Get Involved

Participation is easy and impactful. Whether updating your wardrobe, decluttering your home, or learning new repair skills, anyone can join Secondhand September.

Donate: Contribute unused clothing and other items to local charity shops; Oxfam stores make donation easy nationwide.
Shop: Purchase pre-loved clothes, electronics, furniture, books, and more. Try online marketplaces or visit high street charity shops.
Share: Spread the word by posting your secondhand finds on social media using #SecondHandSeptember and tagging @OxfamGB.

Tips for Embracing Secondhand September

Look online: Oxfam and other charities offer online secondhand stores with search filters for sustainable shopping.
Repair your clothes: Extend the life of garments by fixing holes, replacing buttons, or creative mending.
Try upcycling: Refresh old clothes by transforming them into something new—a sweater can become a stylish beanie or tote bag.
Seasonal wardrobe organization: Pack away out-of-season garments in storage boxes and rediscover them later—the separation makes them feel new again.

Events During Secondhand September (UK)

Throughout September, libraries, community centers, and markets across the UK host events to amplify secondhand culture:

Sustainable September Celebration (3 – 27 September): Free library workshops on sustainability, open to all ages.
Schools Stationery & Sports Equipment Drive (8 – 13 September): Donate school supplies for borough-wide reuse and waste reduction.
Notting Dale Community Market (14 September): Community event with local food, secondhand stalls, bike repairs, and workshops for families.
Sustainability Fair (19 September): Secondhand September themed fair, offering advice on lowering emissions, reducing plastic, and navigating secondhand shopping.
Climate Café: Clothes Mending Workshop (25 September): Learn darning, embroidery, and appliance techniques in a hands-on session to extend your garment lifespan.
Fix It Fest (27 September): Free repairs for furniture, bikes, and electronics—supporting repair culture and reducing landfill contribution.

The Environmental Footprint of Fast Fashion

Factor	Fast Fashion (New)	Secondhand
Carbon Emissions (per item)	High (up to 55kg CO₂ for a smartphone)	Low (around 15kg CO₂ for refurbished)
Water Usage	8,000 liters for one cotton shirt	Minimal (already produced)
Waste Generation	2M tonnes/month (UK)	Substantial reduction
Landfill Contribution	Significant	Reduced—item reused

Social & Economic Benefits

Alleviates poverty: Shopping secondhand bolsters charitable organizations and funds global aid programs.
Affordable fashion: Secondhand prices make quality clothing accessible for more people.
Builds community: Local markets, charity shops, and swap parties foster stronger social ties.

Top Sustainable Shopping Strategies

Shop with intention: Make lists, focus on buying only what you need, and avoid impulse buys.
Favor quality over quantity: Choose durable garments and goods to ensure longer use.
Learn basic repairs: Simple fixes can extend the usability of clothes, gadgets, and household items.
Support local businesses and charities: Your secondhand purchases benefit community organizations rather than fast fashion retailers.

Challenges of Going Secondhand

Stigma: Some still view pre-loved shopping as less desirable, but growing awareness is challenging this perception.
Availability: Finding specific styles or sizes can be harder than shopping new, but online filters and swap events expand selection.
Time investment: Sourcing secondhand items may take longer, but it’s offset by the quality and uniqueness of finds.

Upcycling & the DIY Movement

Secondhand September is closely linked to upcycling and “visible mending”—creative repairs that add personality to garments. Workshops teach skills like embroidery, applique, and basic sewing, transforming routine maintenance into a unique form of self-expression.

Joining the Conversation: Social Media and Advocacy

Use #SecondHandSeptember: Share your finds and stories globally.
Tag charity accounts: @OxfamGB and others amplify the campaign’s reach.
Collaborate: Partner with local influencers, community groups, and schools to expand impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does Secondhand September focus on fashion?

Fashion is a leading driver of waste and carbon emissions. By challenging one of the most consumption-heavy sectors, Secondhand September can make a significant environmental dent and spark broader discussions about responsible consumerism.

Can I participate if I don’t have clothes to donate?

Yes! You can shop secondhand, repair or upcycle what you already own, donate other goods, attend events, or simply spread awareness through social media.

What if I need something new in September?

If you truly need an item that can’t be found secondhand, prioritize ethical transparency—look for fair labor practices, sustainable materials, and brands with verified green credentials.

Is buying secondhand only for clothes?

No—electronics, books, furniture, sports gear, and more are all part of the secondhand economy.

How do repairs and upcycling help the environment?

Repair and upcycling divert waste from landfills, minimize resource extraction, and reduce the environmental footprint of new production.

Where can I find local events for Secondhand September?

Check Oxfam’s website, local council webpages, libraries, and community centers for listings of repair workshops, donation drives, and special fairs.

What are the long-term effects of participating?

Building secondhand habits fosters a circular economy, supports global aid work, and cultivates sustainable mindsets for future generations.

Conclusion: Shaping a Sustainable Future

Secondhand September provides a vital annual checkpoint to examine our shopping habits and environmental footprint. The movement proves that small choices—repairing a shirt, donating a laptop, buying secondhand jeans—aggregate into profound change. By participating, sharing, and learning, we create a more inclusive, less wasteful, and environmentally conscious world—one pre-loved item at a time.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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