26,000 people pledged to buy only second hand throughout September 2022. What can we do to support this campaign all year?
Since 2019, Oxfam have run their ‘Second Hand September’ campaign. The idea is that people buy second hand for the whole of September. This hopes to shed light on the benefits of second hand for not only the planet, but your budget!
BUT: Buying second hand isn’t just great in September. There are so many ways to incorporate second hand into your daily life.
Where can you buy second hand?
Fashion Apps
Having had experiences with both Vinted and Depop as a buyer, for me, Vinted seems to have a wider reach. There are thousands of items from high street retailers, big brands and small businesses that can all be filtered down to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Some of my best outfits are from Vinted, and it has easily saved me more than half of what I would have spent on the clothes if I’d bought them from new.
Social Media/Websites
As a seller, Ebay and Facebook Marketplace have been SUPER helpful when I’ve had my annual declutter. For smaller items, Ebay is probably better as you will be able to post them anywhere. However, selling items such as bookshelves, rugs etc have all gone really quickly on Facebook Marketplace. I’ve even seen photos, weeks later, of another little girl enjoying my (newly painted!) childhood bed.
Charity Shops
If you’re not a charity shop regular, don’t worry! Charity shops aren’t for everyone, but for second hand books and (random) spare phone chargers, they are a godsend.
Friends and Family
Okay, so if charity shops aren’t your style, why not “help out” as your friend declutters her wardrobe. Who knows, you might come away with some absolute gems.
Oxfam Online Shop
My graduation dress was bought from the Oxfam Online Shop at an amazing £12. It was in perfect condition and cut out the faff of going out and hunting for one. The bonus of buying from Oxfam is that the money raised from your purchases helps families get out of poverty. A win-win, right?
Don’t be afraid of selling!
Selling items is SO easy. Usually, all it takes is a few minutes to set up an account on your chosen platform, and you’re off. Most platforms have a ‘seller safety’ feature which ensures that you are covered if anything goes wrong, so make sure to read up on this before you start.
By selling your unwanted items, you’re helping the planet, reducing landfill and making extra cash on the side. Second hand, second life!
If it ain’t broke …
Certainly, something that I have adopted in recent years is stopping buying new tech so regularly. If you look after your laptops, phones, smart watches and only replace them when they are DEAD, you can save yourself so much money AND prevent them from going to landfill.
Something that I have come across recently is EE’s ‘Nearly New’ feature. When buying a new phone, you are also offered ‘Nearly New’ devices, which have been returned to EE very soon after purchase, in their original packaging. These devices are also vetted by EE before being sent to you. So, what’s in it for you? It’s a brilliant way to knock a few pounds off your monthly bill.
Go on then, off you go! I challenge you to buy your next outfit, next book, next piece of furniture, from somewhere that sells second hand!