Help us: wear second-hand
WE all know by now that fast fashion is bad for the environment as well as our wallets, so the RSPCA is encouraging people to shop second hand to save the planet, help us rescue more animals and save some pennies this January.
We have launched a Charity Shop Challenge asking people to commit to wearing one second hand item from a charity shop every day for a week, whether that’s a pair of boots, a scarf, a tie, or a whole outfit.
The items can be an old purchase or a new one and those taking part in the challenge can take a selfie in the shop or at home and post it with the hashtag #RSPCAMyStyle.
Charity shops are a treasure chest of fantastic outfits and not only does your purchase help a cause close to your heart but it also curbs the tide of disposable fashion.
The Charity Retail Association estimates each charity shop saves 29 tonnes of textiles from going into landfill each year, and with over 300 RSPCA charity shops that’s around 8,700 tonnes saved – the equivalent to over 1,200 African elephants!
We hope our lovely supporters and animal lovers will pop into an RSPCA charity shop with the knowledge that buying a second hand top, shoes or dress helps us care for dogs, cats, horses, rabbits and reptiles in need!
The Charity Shop Challenge is runs now – from January 20-26 – and supports the RSPCA branches across England and Wales who rely on generous donations from animal lovers to help care for thousands of animals.
Jenny Eden RSPCA Retail Specialist
TAKE RESPONSIBILITY
PEOPLE are deeply upset about what’s going on in Australia: kangaroos trapped in barbed-wire fencing while attempting to flee the fires, cows and sheep being cooked alive in the flames, and an estimated 800,000 or more animals now killed in the conflagrations.
Now, we add shooters being ordered to gun down thousands of camels desperately searching for water.
There is something that can be done – a long-term fix for this horror and the others that will inevitably follow.
It’s imperative that we take personal responsibility for the protection of our planet, and by far the easiest way to do that is to stop eating animals and go vegan right now.
The United Nations has stated that meat consumption must decrease by as much as 90% in order for us to avoid the most catastrophic effects of climate change.
This requires zero governmental initiative and no promises from giant corporations.
It just means choosing to leave animals out of our shopping trolleys.
It’s a simple but revolutionary action that says the following: “We will not let this planet and countless animals die on our watch.”
We urge all caring people to join the vegan movement.
The Earth and all its inhabitants depend on it.
Mimi Bekhechi Director of international programmes People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals