Take a second in September for the planet

Oxfam stores across the north and north-east are doing their bit to try to reduce the 13 million pieces of clothing sent to landfill every week.

Second Hand September encourages people across the area to only buy pre-loved clothes for all 30 days of the month.

Oxfam branches in Aberdeen, Elgin and Inverness are all taking part in the campaign.

After popping into store, shoppers are being urged to take a photo of their purchases and share on social media to encourage others to do the same.

They can tag Oxfam in their posts and use #SecondHandSeptember to share their one-of-a-kind finds.

Scottish ethical stylist Alice Cruickshank said: “Embracing a more sustainable wardrobe can feel daunting and confusing, which is why I’m such a big advocate of shopping second-hand.

“Not only is this an affordable option to update your wardrobe consciously, but buying clothes in this way is so wonderful for discovering what style means to you and avoiding ‘fast fashion’ trends.

“To me, shopping secondhand is a joyful experience.”

As well as only buying pre-loved clothing, Oxfam is also urging people to donate clothes they don’t wear anymore, and volunteer at their local branch if they can.

The textile industry accounts for around 10% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.

That’s more than aviation and shipping emissions combined, and ahead of this year’s COP26, something needs to be done about it.

Tom Richardson, retail operations manager at Oxfam, has said it’s time that we start listening to these daunting statistics and acting upon them.

He spoke about how important it is that everyone does their bit and how much of a difference shopping second-hand could make.

He said: “We’ve all seen the warnings from scientists over the summer about how climate change is a clear and present danger to all of our lives and futures.

“Governments must act to slash emissions quickly, but Oxfam’s Second Hand September campaign gives people in Aberdeen a chance to reflect on their own buying habits and make second-hand their first choice.

“By buying and donating second-hand clothes, you’re giving clothes a longer life, slowing down fast fashion, and helping to protect our planet.”

CHARITY: Oxfam is challenging shoppers to only buy second-hand clothes next month.