At Vavista Car Insurance we’re excited to get involved in Second Hand September. Oxfam launched Second Hand September in 2019 to fight fast fashion waste and promote sustainable shopping.
The challenge is to only buy second-hand clothes for the 30 days of September. This means:
- reducing waste,
- saving money,
- and supporting eco-friendly fashion.
This is a movement that encourages people to use pre-loved items instead of new. It’s a simple shift that can lead to powerful change. Get involved in Second Hand September with these simple steps:
Why Should I Take Part In Second Hand September?
Second Hand September is more than just a shopping challenge – it’s a reflection of a growing movement. In the UK, sales of second hand goods rose by 15% to £21 billion in the past year. [1] As a result, it’s clear that more people are using second-hand items to save money and reduce their environmental impact.
Every new item we buy can come with an environmental cost. Here’s just some of the reasons buying new items is harder on the environment:
· They require lots of energy to make.
· Use up natural resources.
· Pollution is produced making the item.
· Transporting the goods means emissions.
· Plastic and other packaging add waste.
· Newer items are usually not designed to last, so you need to rebuy.
· Increases landfill waste.
Whether it’s clothes, furniture, electronics, or cars, choosing second-hand helps reduce demand for new production, keeps usable items out of landfills, and supports a more circular economy.
Make Your Wardrobe More Sustainable:
Fashion is one of the most polluting industries in the world, but it’s also one of the easiest places to start making sustainable swaps. With 62% of UK consumers concerned about the environmental impact of fast fashion, and half having bought second-hand garments in the past year [1], it’s no surprise that more people are choosing style that’s kinder to the planet.
If you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe this September, consider exploring charity shops, vintage markets, or online resale platforms, such as Vinted, Depop or Ebay.
Need help getting started? Check out our blog, A Guide to Sustainable Clothes Shopping, for practical tips on how to shop more mindfully, choose quality over quantity, and reduce your fashion footprint.
Clean Out Your Wardrobe and Home for Donations
To begin, clear out your wardrobe and home to find items that could have a second life. Next, sort through clothes, shoes, books, and household goods, asking yourself if you’ve used them in the last year. Then, create three piles: keep, swap, and donate. If needed, donate items in good condition that aren’t right for swapping to your local charity shop. Before donating, remember to wash clothes, wipe down household items, and check electronics to ensure they’re ready for use. Ultimately, this decluttering not only makes space in your home, but also helps others and reduces waste heading to landfill.
Throw a ‘Swap Shop’ Party
Hosting a swap shop party for Second Hand September is a fun and sustainable way to refresh your belongings while reducing waste. Invite friends to bring used clothes, books, home décor, gadgets, or any items they no longer need. Set up clear sections in your space so everyone can easily browse different categories of goods.
To keep things fair, encourage guests to bring a similar number of items to what they take home. Add music, snacks, and a cozy atmosphere to make it feel like a social event rather than just a swap. By trading instead of buying new, you’ll save money, cut down on waste, and give pre-loved items a second life.
Not sure what to buy second-hand? We’ll help you find the best picks
For example, our blog 5 of the Best Things to Buy Second Hand, highlights some of the smartest swaps – from stylish clothing to durable furniture and tech. In fact, you can often find these items with plenty of life left and, more importantly, at a fraction of the cost, making them a win for both your wallet and the environment.
At Vavista, sustainability is at the heart of what we do. We’ve partnered with Eden: People + Planet to plant a tree for every new customer, supporting global reforestation and empowering local communities.
Choosing Vavista means choosing a brand that’s actively working toward a healthier planet.
Liked this blog? Check out our article on 50 Easy Ways to Spend Less, Buy Less and Waste Less.
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