Secondhand September: Why Your Closet (and the Planet) Will Thank You

You’ve probably seen it floating around social media: Secondhand September. It’s not a rulebook or a strict challenge, but more of a collective nudge — a reminder that fast fashion is, well, too fast for the planet, and that the clothes we already have (or can buy used) are more than enough.

Here’s why it’s worth jumping in, and why it’s honestly way more fun than hitting “add to cart” on something new.

The Fast Fashion Fallout

Let’s be real: most of us love the thrill of something new. But fast fashion is designed to make us crave and then toss — leading to:

• 92 million tons of textile waste each year (you read that right, tons).

• Factories pumping out greenhouse gases like they’re going out of style.

• Workers often paid pennies for long hours in unsafe conditions.

Buying secondhand isn’t a perfect solution, but it is one of the easiest ways to step off the fashion hamster wheel.

The Joy of the Hunt

Secondhand doesn’t mean settling. It means treasure hunting:

• Thrift stores with racks of one-of-a-kind finds.

• Local buy/sell groups where your neighbor’s “cleaning out the closet” becomes your score.

• Swaps with friends that feel more like a party than a shopping trip.

There’s something satisfying about knowing nobody else will show up in the exact same jacket. Plus, secondhand often means higher-quality fabrics and timeless cuts you just don’t see at fast fashion prices.

How to Join Secondhand September

No official sign-up. No complicated rules. Just… shop secondhand this month (and maybe longer). A few ideas:

• Check your local thrift store before buying new.

• Browse resale apps like Poshmark, Depop, or Vinted.

• Host a clothing swap with friends.

• Actually wear what’s already in your closet (radical, I know).

Field Tip: Think Ahead for Halloween

Parents everywhere are already hunting down costumes, and here’s the deal: secondhand is your secret weapon. Skip the big-box store frenzy and:

• Grab costumes at thrift shops.

• Search resale apps for barely-worn outfits.

• Better yet, host a neighborhood costume swap. It’s cheaper, greener, and a whole lot more fun than buying new.

Secondhand September is less about going without and more about remembering that enough is already out there. Each time you buy used, swap with a friend, or mend what you’ve got, you’re voting for a slower, saner, and more sustainable way to dress.

So go ahead: make thrifting your new seasonal sport. Who knows what gems are waiting?