As summer turns to autumn, September brings with it a chance to pause and rethink our habits. One of the most powerful movements this month is Second Hand September—a call to shift away from fast fashion and towards more sustainable choices.
Why It Matters
The fashion industry is one of the most polluting in the world:
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Around 92 million tonnes of textile waste are generated globally each year, with most of it landfilled or burned.
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Fashion is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions and 20% of industrial wastewater.
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A single cotton T-shirt can take 2,700 litres of water to produce—enough for one person’s drinking water for two years.
In the UK, we throw away up to 350,000 tonnes of clothing each year—worth an estimated £140 million. And online shopping returns generate even more emissions through transport and waste.
This September is an opportunity to break that cycle.
Making Second Hand Work for You
Second hand isn’t just about clothes. In fact, many of us already embrace it in different parts of our lives. Most of my own home furnishings are second-hand or antique finds. They bring character and history into my home while saving resources.
When it comes to fashion, I’ll admit it can be trickier. Charity shop rails don’t always 
cater for every size, and I’ve made plenty of mistakes over the years. Instead, I’ve learned to shop differently—supporting artisan makers who repurpose materials into something unique. Some of my favourites include:
Tipsy Badger
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Tipsy Badger – creative accessories and gifts from reclaimed fabrics.
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Muala – stylish pieces crafted from recycled textiles.
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Oscar Munroe – bold, repurposed items into bags and fashion that makes a statement. (see rught)
Easy Ways to Join In This September
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Start small: Choose one item second-hand this month—clothes, books, furniture, décor, or something else.
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Swap or share: Host a clothes swap with friends or join a local swapping event.
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Repair or upcycle: Fix something you already own or get creative with a piece you’d otherwise discard.
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Shop mindfully: Explore charity shops, vintage markets, Vinted, or artisan makers instead of defaulting to fast fashion.
Looking Ahead
As we move closer to the festive season, imagine the difference if we all sourced our Christmas outfits second-hand—or simply re-wore something we love. It’s not just about reducing waste; it’s about reshaping the story we tell through the things we buy and wear.
This September, let’s make second hand not just a one-month challenge, but the beginning of a more sustainable way of living.
