It’s Second-Hand September, and for those unfamiliar, the challenge is to buy nothing new for the entire month. On the surface, it may seem simple, but the truth is that we live in a world where convenience often takes priority over sustainability. The pull of online shopping, with endless products at our fingertips and same-day delivery, is hard to resist. But at what cost?
We’ve all done it—grabbed a new outfit for an event, worn it once, and let it disappear into the depths of our wardrobe. The real question is: what happens to those clothes when we no longer want them? They don’t just vanish—they become part of the massive piles of textile waste accumulating across the globe.
But Second-Hand September offers a solution, a way to pause and think differently about how we shop and our role in ethical fashion. Buying second-hand doesn’t just help with textile waste reduction —it’s a small but powerful way to push back against the environmental and financial costs of our consumption and a contribution towards waste reduction. This circular economy movement challenges us to rethink our approach to fashion by committing to not buy anything new for 30 days and instead explore the treasures of second-hand shopping.
And it’s not as hard as it might seem. Second-hand shopping has grown beyond just op shops. From curated vintage boutiques to online marketplaces, there are endless opportunities to find something unique, high-quality, and pre-loved. In fact, many argue that second-hand shopping adds excitement to fashion. After all, there’s a certain thrill in hunting for hidden gems – each item tells a story, and you can be the next chapter.
But, let’s be honest – there’s still some hesitation. For some, shopping second-hand feels unfamiliar. Maybe you worry about hygiene or the idea of wearing someone else’s clothes. We get it. While it’s true that second-hand shopping means giving old items a new life, there’s absolutely no compromise on cleanliness or quality. Most second-hand stores thoroughly clean their pieces, and many items have barely been worn before they’re resold. And let’s be clear – no one’s asking you to shop second-hand for everything. (We draw the line at second-hand undies too!)
That’s why Underwear for Humanity exists. We understand that everyone deserves access to clean, comfortable underwear, so we’ve created a one-for-one model. For every pair of ethical, new underwear you purchase, we donate a pair to a woman in need. It’s our way of giving back, ensuring that everyone, no matter their circumstances, has access to something new and essential.
This month, we challenge you to join us and millions of others around the world by taking the pledge to shop second-hand. Small changes in how we ethically consume fashion can lead to big changes for our planet.
How to make your thrifting ethical
But to make sure it’s good for everyone, we need to be thoughtful about how we shop second-hand.
- Shop with Purpose: Thrift shops originally existed to provide affordable essentials to people who really need them. With their growing popularity, prices can sometimes rise, making it harder for those who rely on them. When thrifting, try to buy only what you actually need.
- Support Your Local: Local and mid-range thrift shops are the heart of the community. By choosing to shop there, you’re helping keep prices affordable while supporting those who run them. Plus, you never know what hidden gems you might find!
- Swap, Don’t Shop: Organise a clothing swap with friends or neighbours. It’s a fun, wallet-friendly way to refresh your wardrobe and give old clothes a new life. Plus, it’s always more fun to swap stories while swapping outfits.
Ready to take this ethical fashion pledge? Copy and share this on your social media:
"I’m taking on the #SecondHandSeptember challenge! I’m pledging to avoid buying anything new and shop second-hand to reduce waste, give clothes a second life, and help the planet. Who’s with me?"
