New research out recently reveals the hidden water cost of our fashion habits, as Oxfam launches Second Hand September retail campaign and inaugural State of Style’ report.
Fronted this year by actor and Oxfam supporter Richard E Grant, the annual charity campaign is calling on people to ‘Be An Original’ and dress for the world they want by choosing second hand over fast fashion, to help address the environmental impact of our clothes.
To kick start September, Oxfam has published the findings of its first-ever ‘State of Style’ report showing Britain’s unworn clothes waste enough water to supply one million people for life, as 1 in 5 Brits admit to still throwing unwanted clothes in the bin*.
To highlight the issue, Richard E Grant will be appearing on posters across Oxfam’s shop network this month encouraging shoppers to embrace Second Hand September. Styled by Bay Garnett in unwanted clothes donated to Oxfam, and photographed by Sane Seven, his outfits celebrate the fun and creativity of pre-loved fashion.
He said: “My life-changing career break happened because I was wearing a second hand coat I bought in an Oxfam shop. It was 1986 and I arrived for my ‘Withnail & I’ audition soaking wet and in a second hand Burberry trench coat. Turned out I’d nailed the look for the part without even trying!”
“I’ve always loved clothes that have lived a life before you, I still wear pieces I’ve owned for decades, items that belonged to people I love, and things I’ve discovered over the years – that’s why I support Second Hand September.”
“Original style isn’t about buying more. It’s about finding pieces with a story, keeping them for as long as you can, and passing them on for someone else to discover. We’ve already got too much of everything. Reusing and upcycling clothing – second-hand, vintage, call it what you like – just makes perfect sense.”
Since launching in 2019, Oxfam’s Second Hand September campaign has inspired thousands of people to make more sustainable fashion choices by buying pre-loved. Choosing to shop and donate at Oxfam can help cut demand for new clothing and the climate-damaging emissions associated with its production, while also raising vital funds to support Oxfam’s work creating a fairer future for communities around the world.
Rachel Cosgrove-Pearce, Oxfam’s Head of Retail Operations, said: “Oxfam is the original Second Hand retailer. We’ve been selling quality pre-loved fashion since 1947 and that success is down to people supporting our local shops. Every donation makes a difference, and while we’re grateful for the fantastic support we receive throughout the year, September is a particularly important time for our shops. We’re looking for plenty of good-quality clothes to help keep the rails full and give local shoppers a great choice of pre-loved fashion.
“Second Hand September is a brilliant reminder that small changes can have a big impact. By donating clothes you no longer wear or choosing to shop second hand, you’re helping to reduce textile waste, support Oxfam’s work and do something positive for the planet.
To find out more about ways to get involved in the campaign go to www.oxfam.org.uk/get-involved/second-hand-september/ or visit one of over 500 Oxfam shops across the UK or Oxfam’s Online Shop.
