If all UK adults bought half of their next wardrobe second hand, it could prevent carbondioxide emissions equivalent to a plane flying around the world more than 17,000 times, says a new study by Oxfam.
- As extreme weather hits all corners of the globe, the research by the NGO says that second-hand clothing could help reduce climate-damaging emissions during manufacturing by extending the life of clothes and reducing the need for brand-new clothes.
CALCULATING IT: If all UK adults bought half of their next wardrobe second hand, it could prevent a whopping 12.5 billion kilogrammes of carbondioxide emissions entering the atmosphere, says the research.
- This is the equivalent to a plane flying around the world more than 17,000 times, or 261,000 flights from London (Heathrow) to Greece (Athens).
- The findings launch this year’s Oxfam’s Second Hand September campaign which encourages people to shop preloved and donate what they no longer need or wear for 30 days.
FURTHER FINDINGS: If each adult in the UK donated all the clothes that they have not worn in the past year to charity shops, it could remove the need for 4.9 billion kg carbon entering the atmosphere.
- That isequivalent to a plane flying around the world more than 6,600 times, or 100,000 flights from London (Heathrow) to Greece (Athens).
- The calculations come amid rising awareness of the negative effects of the fashion industry, which accounts for 10 per cent of global carbon emissions — more than international aviation and shipping combined.
Second Hand September: Oxfam launched Second Hand September in 2019 to inspire people to shop in a way that is kinder to people and the planet.
- It is a campaign to encourage people to donate and buy second-hand items in September.
- When you shop with Oxfam, not only are you helping to keep clothes out of landfill and refreshing your wardrobe without costing the earth, but you are also helping to raise money to help people beat poverty.
- Since the first Second Hand September in 2019, increasing numbers of shoppers, activists and people within the fashion industry are choosing second-hand fashion, the NGO claimed As the movement grows, consumers are making a powerful fashion statement by dressing for the world they want.
WHAT THEY SAID:
Choosing second hand offers people a way to take action, to reshape the fashion industry, and reimagine the impact our clothes have on the world. As a major emitter of greenhouse gas, much of the fashion industry as it stands is a threat to people and planet. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In 2022, UK consumers bought 32 per cent more second-hand clothes than in 2018, before the first Second Hand September campaign. Shopping this way sends a clear message to the fashion industry that consumers want, and expect, things to change.
— Lorna Fallon
Retail Director
Oxfam
It’s timely that we're talking about second-hand clothes and living in a more sustainable way, as awareness of the environmental impact of our shopping choices is growing. (This) research from Oxfam shows that something as simple as buying clothes second-hand, and donating what we don’t wear any more, can help change the world for the better. It’s as simple as that.
— Miquita Oliver
Second Hand Clothes Ambassador
Oxfam
Research shows that in the UK, an adult’s wardrobe on average contains 31 items of unworn clothes. Nostalgia, money, guilt and body image can all play a part in our reasons for not letting certain items go.
— Carolyn Mair
Cognitive Psychologist
