September – a month that carries with it the scent of freshly sharpened pencils, the promise of crisp new notebooks, and the excitement of embarking on a new academic year. For many, September is synonymous with back-to-school season, a time of new beginnings. Whether you're a student, a parent, or just someone who fondly remembers their school days, the anticipation of September's arrival is undeniable. It's a month that signifies structure and routine, a return to the classroom, and the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills.
Here at clothing Collective we are back from our holidays and busy preparing for a busy few months ahead. Over the summer we distributed vouchers to Blesma GC, Harrow Social Services, NHS North London, HMP Ford Pre Release, HMP Lewes, Migrants Organise, Penrose Social Interest Group and Paddington Food Bank. These organisations are helping the most vulnerable people in our society, people like Sarah a survivor of domestic violence and has been homeless for a long time. Sarah wants to buy some shoes and underwear. She only owns a pair of tatty sandals and one pair of underwear. Sarah told us:
“I am in desperate need of clothing and have come from the street. This means everything to me as I have lost everything.”
This winter we’ll be launching our first ever Big Give Christmas Challenge Campaign which will run from 28th November to 5th December - watch this space for details on how to get your donation doubled and make twice the impact, helping people like Sarah to thrive. Full details to follow soon.
This month we are getting behind "Second Hand September" a sustainability campaign that encourages people to abstain from buying new clothing for the entire month of September. The campaign was initially launched by Oxfam in 2019 and has gained popularity worldwide as a way to raise awareness about the environmental and social impacts of fast fashion.
The fast fashion industry is characterised by the rapid production of inexpensive, trendy clothing that is designed to be worn for a short period and then discarded. This high turnover of clothing contributes to significant environmental problems, including excessive waste, water usage, and carbon emissions. Moreover, many fast fashion brands have been criticised for their working practices, including low wages and poor working conditions in garment factories.
Second Hand September encourages people to break the cycle of fast fashion consumption by pledging not to buy any new clothing items for the entire month. Instead, participants are encouraged to explore sustainable fashion options, such as:
Thrifting: Shopping at second-hand or thrift stores to find unique and affordable clothing items that have been pre-owned.
Clothing Swaps: Organising or participating in clothing swap events with friends or community groups, where you can exchange clothing items you no longer need for new-to-you pieces.
Upcycling: Getting creative with your existing wardrobe by altering, repairing, or customizing clothing to give it a new lease on life. https://www.gathered.how/arts-crafts/upcycling-clothes-ideas/
Supporting Sustainable Brands: If you do need to buy new clothing, consider supporting brands that prioritise sustainability, ethical production practices, and quality over quantity.
Renting or Borrowing: For special occasions or one-time events, consider renting clothing or borrowing from friends or family instead of buying new outfits.
The goal of Second Hand September is not only to reduce individual consumption but also to promote awareness of the fashion industry's environmental and social impact. By participating in the campaign, you can make a positive contribution toward reducing clothing waste and promoting a more sustainable and ethical approach to fashion.
Our Charity Shop Gift Cards help to reduce clothing waste by enabling those in need to buy warm, comfortable clothing from their local charity shops. Operating in a similar way to a food bank but for clothes! Find our more about Clothing Collective, our small but mighty team and our amazing charity partners at www.clothingcollective.org
Whether you're a student heading back to school, an adult pursuing new goals, or simply someone enjoying the beauty of changing seasons, September is a month of endless possibilities and the promise of fresh beginnings. So, embrace the excitement and let September inspire you to embark on new adventures and make the most of the year ahead.