Second-hand refers to items that have been previously owned and used by someone else before being resold or repurposed.
Buying secondhand helps reduce waste, conserve resources, and lower environmental impact by giving items a second life and reducing the demand for new products.
Second Hand September is an awareness campaign that encourages people to commit to buying only second-hand clothes for the entire month of September.
It's a challenge to reduce fast fashion's negative impact on the environment by promoting sustainable fashion choices. Fast fashion is the fastest growing category of waste.
The campaign is important because it helps:
- Reduce waste: By buying second-hand, fewer clothes end up in landfills.
- Lower environmental impact: Producing new clothes contributes to pollution and excessive resource use. Second-hand items reduce the demand for new production.
- Promote sustainability: Encourages mindful consumption and supports the circular economy by reusing items instead of constantly buying new ones.
- Raise awareness: Highlights the ethical and environmental issues tied to fast fashion.
How does Worcester Students’ Union support Second-Hand September?
- Supporting vintage second-hand clothing pop ups
Throughout September, we host second-hand vintage clothing stalls in The Hangar, offering students the chance to discover unique, pre-loved fashion at affordable prices.
- Sports Kit Recycling Scheme
- Interview Clothes Second-Hand Support
We promote the Second-Hand Interview Clothing Initiative led by Worcester Business School. If you're in need of smart attire but working within a budget, this initiative offers access to gently used, professional clothing to help you look and feel your best for job interviews. For more details, be sure to check out Business School website.
When having clothing printed for events, we no longer add dates meaning we can re-use the same t shirts each year.
- Collaboration with British Heart Foundation for Clothes Recycling
In partnership with the British Heart Foundation, we promote clothing recycling to raise funds for heart disease research. We encourage students to donate their unwanted clothes, which are then sold to support the charity’s vital work.
View the campus map to find your nearest drop point.
Read a list if the items you can donate before making the journey to the drop point.
- Supporting Shwopping schemes by offering bra recycling
This year, we have asked students to donate unwanted bras to women in need. Find out more.
- Supporting opportunities for students to repair and repurpose clothing items
Free sewing machines are available for use in the Sustainability Hub—find out more about our sewing workshops.
- Promoting Free Online Sessions on Fast Fashion
We’re committed to raising awareness about the impact of fast fashion and promoting more sustainable alternatives. Follow us on social media and make sure to read our all-student email to find out what workshops are coming up.
Browse free webinars through SOS - UK
Have a question about our accreditations?
Email susustainability@worc.ac.uk
Want to keep updated?
Follow Worcester Students' Union on social media for updates on our accreditations.
Got an idea?
Have you got an idea for a sustainability intiative? We’d love to hear from you! Submit your ideas through our Ideas Forum and help shape the future of sustainability at Worcester.
Disclaimer
Every effort has been made to ensure that all information contained on the Worcester Students’ Union webpages is both current and accurate. However, information within these pages is subject to change without prior notice. Please seek professional guidance for the latest information. No liability can be accepted for any errors or misleading information.