Second Hand September (Oxfam)

I'm in, are you? 

It's no secret that the world is running out of resources while demand continues to increase. We're stuck in a rut, a vicious cycle of consumption and over production.
So let's do somthing different, let's change the rules and form a new mindset and culture.  One that values and looks towards to the full story of an item - its journey from raw material to our hands.

Did you know that in the UK the weight of clothes sent to landfill is the same as that of the Empire State Building and that it would take 13 years to drink the same amount of water to make one t-shirt and a pair of jeans? (oxfam) There is always more than just shelf to hand, there is are consequences to both people and planet in every garment.

While there are some brands doing amazing things to change the game in terms of prioritising workers and reducing environmental impact, why not utilise the resources already used. That's why I am participating in Oxfam's Second Hand September. It's basically a 30 day fast from new clothing in order to make us rethink our attitude and response to fashion,  in particular fighting the toxic trap of fast fashion.

Think of the statement we could show the fast fashion retailers if for the whole of September we boycotted them in favour of pre-owned. Many of us have the privilege of choice in what we wear allowing us each to develop individual styles. These styles need not be controlled by trend or whim, simply buy what you like and will wear from the least damaging source eg a charity shop such as Oxfam.

This is an especially large challenge for me as I prepare for uni, inevitably I will need some new things but I'm seeking second hand first and true to my pledge any clothing I buy this month will be from purely second hand sources.

Good luck with the challenge should you choose to accept.

Tasha xx

Take the pledge here: https://www.oxfamapps.org.uk/secondhandseptember/


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