J&B Recycling Knowledge

Second-hand September highlights the need to be more conscious about overconsumption and the ‘throwaway’ society we find ourselves in. Through fast fashion and micro trends, clothes are often worn once and then thrown away. Currently, almost 1.2 billion tonnes of carbon emissions are produced by the fashion industry and 11 million items of clothing are sent to landfill and incineration every week in the UK (source). This has got to change!

But it’s not just clothing that’s an issue. The widespread use of single-use plastics and disposable items further fuels a culture of convenience that generates enormous amounts of waste. Additionally, the improper disposal of electrical gadgets, many of which can be restored or re-loved, can also have a huge impact on the environment.

So, we thought we’d share our top tips of how you can embrace second hand living, not just during September, but as a daily habit!

Tip 1: Embrace Second-hand Clothing

Fashion is one of the most polluting industries on the planet, driven by the relentless cycle of trends, mass production, and global shipping, all of which significantly contribute to climate change. But change is on the horizon. Influential brands and partnerships, like Love Island’s collaboration with eBay UK – one of the world’s leading second-hand selling platforms – are making a difference. This partnership has had a noticeable impact, with every minute in the UK seeing the sale of five pre-loved dresses, two pairs of pre-loved jeans, and eight pre-loved tops on eBay.

So, how can you help? Well, instead of throwing away clothes you no longer wear, consider taking them to a charity shop or uploading them upon to platforms like eBay, Vinted and Depop, where not only are you helping the planet, but your pocket too. Giving your clothes a second home also gives them a second life and reduces the need for new clothing to be produced, saving resources like water.

According to Oxfam, if everyone in the UK took part in Second Hand September the country would save the same number of emissions as flying a plane around the world 900 times.

Tip 2: Opt for Refurbished Electronics

Most of us own and use electronic devices daily, but have you ever considered what happens to your old device once you discard it? The global IT industry produces 272 million laptops every year, with each laptop’s production responsible for an average of 331 kg of CO2.

Why is this a problem? Many devices contain precious resources, and when e-waste ends up in landfill or is incinerated, harmful chemicals can leach into the environment, posing serious risks to wildlife, plants and even human health.

When it's time to upgrade your device, consider buying a second-hand games console, phone, or computer. Not only does this help divert waste from landfills, but it also saves you money. If your old device is still functional but no longer meets your needs, look for local or national donation schemes. For example, the Restart Project accepts old laptops and phones for donation, with collection sites listed across the UK on its website.

If donating isn't an option, your local recycling centre should have WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) recycling drop-off points to ensure your device is disposed of properly. Check out our Guide to disposing of Electrical Waste for more information.

Tip 3: Second-hand books

Second-hand books offer more than just savings - they provide opportunities for literary exploration and community engagement. Beyond buying second-hand, you might consider swapping books with friends or joining a book club, both of which can expand your reading options and strengthen social connections. In some parts of the UK, old telephone boxes have been refurbished as community libraries, allowing you to drop off and pick up used books, making it easier than ever to share the love of reading.

Donating your old books to charity shops is another excellent way to give them a second life while supporting good causes. And for those books that are no longer in good condition, recycling is the responsible option. For more information on how to recycle old books, have a look at our guide: 10 Ways to Reuse or Recycle Old Books.

In Conclusion

Second-hand September serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to rethink our consumption habits and the impact they have on the environment. From the fashion industry to the disposal of electronics and single-use items, our current ‘throwaway’ culture contributes significantly to pollution, waste, and climate change. However, by embracing second-hand living, not just during September but as a daily practice, we can make a meaningful difference.