Doing Second Hand September? This is where you can pick up pre-loved clothes
Ah, September – the month of Pumpkin Spiced Lattes and crispy leaves.
But now theres something else associated with this autumnal month – buying second hand.
Yes, weve had Veganuary and Stoptober is coming but September is all about trying to reuse things that have already had a life with someone else.
The idea came from charity Oxfam in a bid to discourage throwaway fashion.
Every week 11 million items of clothing end up in landfill – but many of them are still wearable or could be used to create something new.
According to the charity, two tonnes of clothing are bought each minute in the UK. That amount produces nearly 50 tonnes of carbon emissions – the same as driving 162,000 miles in a car.
How can you get involved with Second Hand September?
Oxfam is encouraging people to take a 30-day pledge to only buy second-hand items, from charity shops, auction sites, online marketplaces or wherever you can find them.
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The only rule is someone else needs to have owned them first.
Theyre encouraging people to upcycle things they already have or to reinvent something second hand.
You can learn some basic sewing skills online or look for a nearby course to get started if you arent sure what you are doing when it comes to upcycling.
You can share your second-hand outfits on social media, using the hashtag #SecondHandSeptember and tagging @OxfamGB. Theyre even offering prizes for their favourite looks.
Where can you buy second-hand clothes?
Firstly, its best to try to use what is already in your wardrobe. Can you resurrect something from a few years ago? Could you fix that dress with a hole?
But if you need something for an event and you really dont have anything suitable already, there are lots of places you can look for second-hand clothes.
Charity shops
Charity shops are a real treasure trove – with some time and patience, you can find some real gems.
Pop into ones on your high street but its worth travelling to some more specialist ones if youre looking for something in particular. You could even pick up a wedding dress in a charity shop.
Of course, the best thing is that you can buy second hand and give a little money to charity too. If you dont have any luck on your first try, keep looking as they are always getting donations.
You could even take along those old clothes taking up space in your wardrobe while you are there.
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eBay
Online auction sites are easier to search but a bit more focused on profit. If theres something, in particular, youre after, you can set an alert for when new items under certain terms are listed.
When it comes to bidding, dont go in too soon and drive the price up. Keep an eye on the bidding, set a reminder and be prepared to strike at the last minute.
Dont get carried away with spending more than you can afford either – set a maximum bid and dont go over it.
Depop
Teens use the app-based marketplace to buy and sell items they no longer want.
You can find lots of great pieces but be warned that some of the listings go back months and the item might not be available any more. Drop the seller a message to check before you get your heart set on it.
Theres lots of buy and sell marketplace groups on FaceboRead More – Source
