At Roythornes, we support the Sharewear Clothing Scheme. They offer free-of-charge clothing choices to people in economic difficulty, using a combination of a referral system for individuals and an outreach service for organisations. Winter is tough, and Sharewear is in need of more donations, especially men’s clothing. As well as donating clothing, there are massive benefits to also shopping secondhand.
Why secondhand shopping is a win-win
We live in a world of fast fashion, ever-evolving tech, and throwaway culture, but secondhand shopping offers a brilliant alternative, allowing us to shop more sustainably while saving a bit of cash.
Here’s why going preloved is great for the planet:
- Preserves natural resources used in manufacturing new products
- Cuts down emissions from producing and shipping new goods
- Reduces waste by preventing items from ending up in landfills
The average household spends £2,500 a year on items that could easily be purchased secondhand. Here are some simple ways to save money and the planet:
- Furniture
Pre-loved or antique furniture can have up to a 90% smaller carbon footprint compared with buying new. No extra resources, manufacturing, or transportation needed.
- Clothing
Producing a single item of clothing typically uses 10kg of carbon and 3,000 litres of water. Choosing second-hand not only avoids this impact but also supports local charities or sellers. Platforms like Vinted, Depop, and eBay make it easy and fun to refresh your wardrobe sustainably.
- Technology
Refurbished phones, laptops, and tablets are often restored by manufacturers or trusted resellers. They work just as well as new devices and come at a fraction of the environmental (and financial) cost.
Repair, don’t replace!
Mending your clothes can extend their life by an average of 9 months and reduce their carbon footprint by up to 30%. So next time something needs a stitch, or a button replaced, why not give it a go?