Oxfam urges shoppers not to buy new clothes for a month

Second Hand September aims to raise awareness of fashion's environmental impact

September occupies a mythical position in the fashion industry, when magazines are traditionally heavy with advertising and substantial winter purchases are made. This year, however, fashion's most important shopping month will be disrupted by Second Hand September, a drive urging consumers not to buy new clothing for the entire 30 days.

The Oxfam-organised campaign aims to raise awareness of fashion's environmental impact. Nicola Tallett, the charity's director of engagement, said: "We have seen on a daily basis the impact of the climate emergency on people living in poverty, whether through the droughts in east Africa or the earthquakes in Asia, and we wanted to do something about it."