If all UK adults bought half of their next wardrobe second-hand, it could prevent a whopping 12.5 billion kilogrammes of carbon dioxide emissions entering the atmosphere, new Oxfam research reveals today. This is the equivalent to a plane flying around the world more than 17,000 times.  

The findings launch Oxfam’s annual Second Hand September campaign, which encourages people across Wales to shop preloved and donate what they no longer need or wear.

According to the climate action charity WRAP, the average adult wardrobe consists of 106 items, and Oxfam’s research shows if half of those items had been bought second-hand, billions of harmful emissions created by the manufacturing of new clothes would have been prevented. Currently, only 10 per cent of wardrobe contents are second-hand. 

Oxfam say choosing second-hand Fashion extends the life of clothes, reducing the need for brand-new clothes which produce climate-damaging emissions when they are manufactured. The charity is urging shoppers across Wales to make a powerful fashion statement this September by dressing for the world they want.  

Dr. Hade Turkmen, Oxfam Cymru’s Advocacy Adviser, said: “The science is chillingly and consistently clear: we have reached a critical climate crossroads with devastating droughts, floods and cyclones already striking hammer blows to the low-income countries who did least to cause the climate emergency.

“Right now, the fashion industry is a major emitter of the greenhouse gases globally which are threatening the future of our planet. By consuming more consciously, people across Wales can show they want a more sustainable fashion industry.

“When you shop second hand with Oxfam, you’re not only recycling and buying stylish outfits that don’t cost the earth, but you’re reinvesting your money into vital work beating poverty – supporting communities worldwide as they stand up to the climate crisis and fight the injustices that push people deeper into poverty. It’s time to get changed for the world we want.”

Further findings from Oxfam show that if each adult in the UK donated all the clothes that they have not worn in the past year to charity shops, with these used again by someone else, it could remove the need for 4.9 billion kg carbon entering the atmosphere. That is equivalent to a plane flying around the world more than 6,600 times.

The calculations come amid rising awareness of the negative effects of the fashion industry, which accounts for 10 per cent of global carbon emissions – more than international aviation and shipping combined.  

Swansea-based sustainable fashion influencer Rachel Pridmore is backing the Second Hand September campaign. 

Rachel, who has over 136,000 followers on Instagram, is encouraging people across Wales to get involved.

Rachel said: “Charity shopping has had a total image transformation in recent years: it’s now about creating unique looks while also living more sustainably. By supporting Second Hand September everyone can do their bit to help the planet: because if we ruin this one there is no planet B.”

(Lead image: Gabi Torres / Oxfam)