Never taken part in Second Hand September?

Oxfam's Second Hand September – where thousands of people shop only second hand for 30 days (or more!) to help people and planet – is back. Here’s why you should join them...

Excessive consumption of clothes produced in high volume and at relatively low cost to the consumer is damaging our planet. And the excess waste from this throwaway lifestyle is putting pressure on the environment.

WRAP’s Textiles Market Situation Report states UK households throw almost half of textiles in household bins (49%). Although we don’t believe the responsibility to fix the problem lies with us shoppers – Oxfam's Second Hand September is a way of doing our bit to make our lives more sustainable.

There are so many incredible wardrobe staples you can find. Nothing quite beats the feeling when you get complimented on an outfit and you can smugly say ‘I got it from a charity shop’. Zara took part in the first ever Second Hand September back in 2019, and fell in love with second hand shopping so much that she hasn’t bought anything new since.

Not only does taking part in Second Hand September extend the life of clothes – but shopping and donating with us helps to raise money for people who are suffering the effects of the climate emergency right now, yet have done the least to cause it.

Last year, Oxfam GB generated 102.8M gross income through retail activities, including through our high street shops. This means we can support communities like those in Satkhira, Bangladesh, establishing food banks that keep food dry and safe when there are floods.

Our shops will showcase the very best of second hand throughout the month. And you can choose from over 100,000 items, including vintage items, on the Oxfam Online Shop 24 hours a day.

Did you know that we have a donate by post scheme? – it’s made donating clothes and accessories even easier – and it’s completely free. You simply order your bag, fill it up and post it back.

Over the past few years, thousands of people have taken part in Second Hand September.

We love searching #SecondHandSeptember on Instagram – it's full of so much inspiration and photos of people sharing what second hand gems they’ve found. Don’t forget to share yours too and tag @OxfamGB so we don’t miss it.