It's Second Hand September

As we all ease back into the rhythm of school or office life this month, we welcome the arrival of Second Hand September!

Article by Solene Schirrer

At VOICE, we are excited to be part of this movement, dedicated to fostering sustainable fashion through second-hand shopping. This month is all about shining a spotlight on charity shops, vintage shops and other online second-hand shops: havens of affordable, trendy, and eco-conscious fashion.

At the heart of this movement lies the concept of extending the lifespan of garments, reducing waste, and lessening the environmental impact of the fashion industry.

Here in Ireland, we’re lucky to have so many quality charity shops, which offer us a chance to indulge in fashion that not only looks good but also does good for the planet.

This year, we wanted to focus on the driving force behind these sustainable fashion initiatives – your generosity and willingness to let go of preloved clothes.

But, are you always confused with what to donate, how and where?

Don’t worry, we've got you covered. We’ll be highlighting best practices upon donation and will show you the different options you have to ethically dispose of your clothes.  

But wait, there's more!

This is just the beginning of our sustainable fashion journey. As September paves the way, October will take us deeper into our vision for Ireland's textile waste sector. We're all about envisioning a world where textile waste is minimized, durability is affordable, and circular fashion becomes the norm.

Charity shops aren't just for clothing...Photo by Adrienne Leonard on Unsplash

We want a completely different lifecycle for our clothes that isn't a linear path from production to disposal, but a circular journey that encompasses reuse, repurposing, and recycling.

So, gear up to embrace Second Hand September with VOICE!

Let's celebrate the joy of sustainable fashion, the thrill of second-hand finds, and the immense power we hold in shaping a greener, cleaner future for our planet.

Stay tuned for tips, insights, and inspiration throughout the month, and get ready to dive into the heart of our textile waste revolution come October.