21st January 2025
We can avoid waste by making use of second hand shops, charity shops, pre-loved web sites. If we have something we no longer need/ want that is more than likely someone else who would like it. These outlets enable us to pass the thing on rather than discarding it as waste.
And by the same token, if we need something we can visit these outlets to buy what we need there rather than buying new – and thus avoiding using up more of the Earth’s limited resources.
13th May 2024
We buy many things second hand – clothes, books and jigsaws – via our local charity shops. Buying second hand/ pre-loved is a good way of making best use of limited resources and cuts out recycling costs. (I could put my unwanted books in the paper recycling and buy new books printed on recycled paper but the better option is to use the loop offered by the charity shops to swop books with others. The same can be true for clothes etc). Charity/ second hand shops have also turned up surprises. When needing a new pan, one the exact right size turned up in Oxfam!
We also use second hand sources such as Music Magpie, eBay etc to buy mobile phones, a coffee kettle etc. Second hand/ pre-loved is a good way of making better use of valuable resources without damaging the environment.
16th January 2024
Reusing rather than replacing can also apply to clothes. Some of our favourite pieces of clothing are often items we have had for many years. I have jumpers that go back 40 years and a kilt that is even older (I had it second hand as a child).
Reusing can also including passing on clothes such as from older to younger children, or between generations. I have several items originally worn by my mother. My husband has items that belonged to his father whilst some of his father’s clothes have already been appropriated by our youngest son who loves the 1930s style.
An alternative way of reusing clothes is to repurpose or reshape them. A pair of trousers that becomes ragged at the knees can be repaired or it can be repurposed as a pair of shorts – potentially leaving you some extra material from the bottoms that can be used to patch something else or to make a small bag. A skirt, dress or trousers etc that are too large can be reshaped to fit a smaller figure. Flaired trouser legs can be narrowed. If you don’t have these skills yourself, you might find someone else who has via a repair cafe or a tailor.
Another way of reusing clothes is to buy second hand ones from a vintage of charity shop – and to likewise pass on items you no longer wear.
Greenpeace reports “Partly because of all this plastic use, and the energy needed to process it, the fashion industry produces 8-10% of global CO2 emissions (4-5 billion tonnes annually).”
Further reading – https://www.greenpeace.org.uk/news/fast-fashion-climate-change-pollution-violence/
2nd June 2023
Buying second hand gives partially worn item a further length of life, so preventing unnecessary waste of resources in disposing of partially used items and in making more brand new items. I regularly drop in at the local charity shops looking for a book to read, a jigsaw for distraction or maybe something to wear. Yesterday I was feeling the lack of summer trousers – usually I expect to wear shorts at this time of year but the cold wind is making that less than comfortable – and I was particularly lucky in finding a pair of thin cotton trousers and a loose top both in bright colours that make one feel happy.
18th January 2023
In September Oxfam runs a Second Hand September campaign, but you don’t have to wait till then to check out your local charity shops. January is often when people are having a clear out or passing on unwanted gifts. You may find just the things you were looking for – it will stop something going to landfill, support and worthy cause, and give you lots of pleasure!
As a follow on you might like to sign Transform Trade’s (previously known as Traidcraft) calling for a fashion watchdog to ensure better accountability in the fashion trade.
5th September 2022
Consuming less is one clear way of being kind to the environment. Consuming less is not about being parsimonious nor being a kill joy. It can involve buying second hand – pre-loved – items. It is equally about ‘loving’ what we do have. Why not look through your wardrobe or your cupboard and pick out a favourite item that you have had for a long while, and appreciate its personal history.
The Green Tau 