8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from the textile industry. That's massive. Every year, the industry uses 93 billions cubic metres of water, global consumption is expected to rise 63% by 2030 and currently only 1% of textiles are recycled to make more textile products. Clearly this is extravagantly unsustainable.

We have been duped by alluring campaigns, into thinking that we can't wear things more than once or twice, that we need the latest trend - and informed that those 'fast fashion' items are incredibly affordable. It's no surprise that this is where we have ended up, but we need to wake up to the devastating impact of our fast fashion habits.

Each year up to 40% of all clothing manufactured globally is never sold. In a world of overproduction and overconsumption, Second Hand September is all about challenging yourself to create more sustainable shopping habits for a fairer future – without compromising on style.

But here’s the good news: small habits from all of us stack up and can make real change.

As Oxfam says, 'every time you choose second hand – whether that’s buying a vintage tee or donating what you don't wear any more – you're making a statement. You’re dressing for the world you want'.

By recirculating clothes – buying, wearing and donating second hand – you’re giving items a longer life and cutting down the demand for new. This can help to reduce the damage to our planet, and encourages others to follow suit (see what I did there).

Check out the wonderful plethora of charity and vintage shops in Petersfield, and find more inspiration on Oxfam's website or search #SecondHandSeptember on Instagram.

https://www.oxfam.org.uk/get-involved/second-hand-september/