Second Hand September
Let's fight the climate crisis in style!
Taking part in Second Hand September is a powerful way of recycling and buying stylish outfits that don't cost the earth.
By shopping second hand and more sustainably, you're giving clothes a longer life, slowing down fast fashion, and helping to protect our planet.
Why Second Hand September?
Millions of items of clothing end up in landfills across Ireland every year. These textiles are decomposing in the ground, destroying our environment.
Immense pressure is being placed on our planet and people in communities most affected by the climate crisis, but you can take action!
Join us this September and dress for the world you want- a fairer world for those affected by the climate crisis, and a better world for us all.
The right thing for you and the planet
We have 46 shops across the island of Ireland.
We are always on the lookout for high-quality, pre-loved clothes, accessories, handbags and shoes. If your items are clean and reusable, we'd be delighted to recirculate them and contribute to a more circular economy.
The joy of getting something with a story behind
Actor, TV presenter and sustainable fashion supporter, Siobhan McSweeney has officially launched this year's Oxfam Ireland Second Hand September campaign.
"It's all the more satisfying. There is a huge ethical responsibility when it comes to clothing. A lot of weight is put on the individual. There's so little we can do in the face of such huge systems that are actively working against people who are trying to do good in the world. By buying a really cool item of clothing that's pre-loved, knowing you could be helping rather than adding to the negativity is a really amazing feeling."
In 2022, Oxfam Ireland diverted 2,538,562 items away from landfill and incineration.
I went to the British Independent Film Awards in a second hand dress from Oxfam that cost me very, very little.
People have this idea that if there's a very special event that the more money you spend on something, the fancier it is and the better quality it is. That's not always the case. I went to the British Independent Film Awards in a second hand dress from Oxfam that cost me very, very little. It was cut perfectly, and I had such a wonderful night. I also received compliments throughout the entire event!
There's something special about wearing a unique piece with its own story. Years ago, I got a theatre award and I went in a second-hand 1970s party dress. When I bought it, the whole wardrobe had been donated to this store. The woman had archived her entire collection. I knew this dress had been worn in 1972 on a yacht! You're not only buying the garment, you're buying the whole sceal behind it. I won!"
My favourite element of buying secondhand is that I am not contributing to the mess and landfill.
I get really worked up over this issue. I feel that women especially get lumped with a lot of the guilt and responsibility for changing things that we don't have much power over.
Share the Buzz!
#OxfamIrelandSHS
Share your secondhand finds on social media and join an incredible community of pre-loved devotees! Explore Second Hand September on Instagram.
10 Facts about the fashion industry
1. The fashion industry is a major polluter due to fast fashion's high production volume.
2. The textile sector contributes 10% to global pollution.
3. It would take 13 years to drink the water needed to make one t-shirt and a pair of jeans.
4. The surge in textile production and the decline in clothing prices have fueled the 'fast fashion' phenomenon.
5. Clothes are produced cheaply, which often means low wages and poor working conditions for garment workers.
6. Less than 1% of global textiles are recycled, according to the Government of Ireland Waste Action Plan.
7. This cycle not only harms the environment but disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, perpetuating inequality.
8. Prolonging the active use of clothing by just nine months could lead to a 20-30% reduction in carbon emissions, water usage, and waste generation.
9. Engaging with Oxfam shops not only generates vital support for marginalised communities and combats inequality but also aids environmental protection.
10. Remarkably, clothing takes up to 200 years to decompose fully, underscoring the need to embrace sustainable choices such as second-hand clothing, particularly this September.
Now that you have the facts, we've got all the second-hand shopping tips and inspiration you'll need to start your journey towards shopping more sustainably.
Say YES to Second Hand September
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Oxfam Ireland is a registered charity in Ireland. Charity Regulatory Authority number 20009946; Revenue Number CHY 5988; Company Number 284292.
We are also registered in Northern Ireland. Charity Commision for NI Number NIC100848; Revenue Number HMRC XN89681; Company Number NI33800.
Oxfam Ireland is a member of the international confederation Oxfam.
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