If everyone in the UK bought just one pair of jeans second-hand rather than new, it could help save the equivalent of 1 trillion standard bottles of water, enough to fill Bala Lake 5 times, new Oxfam analysis reveals today.
The findings come as Oxfam Cymru launches its sixth Second Hand September campaign to encourage people across Wales to shop preloved and donate their unwanted clothes to help reduce the need for new clothes. The garment industry has an enormous water footprint that is straining the planet’s limited water resources.
Oxfam’s analysis reveals that producing a pair of jeans requires 16,000 standard 500ml bottles of water – enough to meet the drinking needs of 4,750 people for a day, according to NHS standards.
The global fashion industry is responsible for the consumption of 93 billion cubic metres of water per year – equivalent to 37 million Olympic-sized swimming pools.
The total water footprint of clothing used in the UK annually is 8 billion cubic meters, enough to meet the water consumption of almost 1.8 million people in Wales for life.
Sarah Rees, Head of Oxfam Cymru, said: “It is clear from these statistics that we are drowning in fashion: our wardrobes are overflowing while the planet runs dry of fresh water due to climate change. By embracing second-hand shopping, we not only lighten the environmental load but also unlock unique, wallet-friendly fashion finds. Stylish outfits don’t have to cost the earth, and by donating and buying clothes at Oxfam you’re helping to protect the planet while raising vital funds for a better, fairer world, free from poverty.”
Oxfam’s Second Hand September encourages people to extend the life of their clothes by choosing second-hand stylish outfits that don’t cost the earth. As part of this year’s campaign, Oxfam will be again one of the opening shows of London Fashion Week on 12 September with a celebrity-packed runway show Style for Change, featuring the finest pre-loved clothing and dressed by the pioneer of second-hand fashion, stylist Bay Garnett.
As a key partner for Oxfam’s Second Hand September, Vinted – the leading online marketplace dedicated to second-hand fashion – is on a mission to make second-hand first choice worldwide. By teaming up with Oxfam, Vinted is helping to spotlight the beauty and accessibility of pre-loved clothing, making it easier than ever for people to embrace responsible fashion. Their support of Oxfam’s campaign, including the Style for Change runway show at London Fashion Week, underscores the joint commitment to transforming how we shop and think about fashion, ensuring that second-hand becomes the first choice worldwide.
People can style for change this September by pledging to shop second-hand and donating preloved clothes to Oxfam. Find out more at https://www.oxfam.org.uk/get-involved/second-hand-september/
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For more information and interviews, please contact: Rebecca Lozza, Oxfam Media and Communications Adviser, Scotland and Wales: rlozza1@oxfam.org.uk / 07917738450
Notes to Editors
Oxfam’s calculations are available upon request.
About Oxfam
Oxfam is a global movement of people all working towards the same goal – an end to the injustice of poverty. Together we save and rebuild lives in disasters, help people earn a living, and speak out on the big issues, like inequality and climate change, which keep people poor.
Oxfam has more than 500 shops in the UK. By buying and donating through Oxfam shops, you can help to protect our planet, while helping raise life-saving money to tackle poverty around the globe.
To find your local Oxfam shop go to: https://www.oxfam.org.uk/shops/
About Second Hand September
Oxfam launched Second Hand September in 2019 to inspire people to shop in a way that is kinder to people and the planet. Second Hand September is a campaign to encourage people to donate and buy second-hand items in September.
Click here for more information: https://www.oxfam.org.uk/get-involved/second-hand-september/
About Vinted
Vinted is Europe’s leading international online C2C marketplace dedicated to second-hand fashion, with a growing community of members across Europe and beyond. With a mission to make second-hand the first choice worldwide, Vinted enables people to sell and buy second-hand clothes and lifestyle items from each other, helping give those items a second or even third life.