Second hand September: five ways to help the environment and still furnish your home

Take part in #secondhandseptember by being thrifty about where you're buying household items. 

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Sophie Warner17 September 2019

The endless fashion cycle is one of the biggest strains on the global environment and the growth of so-called fast fashion — cheap, trendy high street clothing bought to be worn for just one season, or even one night — has sent the issue spiralling.

Each week 11 million items of clothing end up in landfill in the UK – and today’s décor trends change almost as rapidly as clothing fashions.

It's not so very long since home furnishings were considered big-ticket items that cost a lot and were bought to last but today, cheaper, more disposable homewares are more widely available than ever before — often in diffusion lines from fast fashion brands.

Combined with the rise of the aspirational lifestyle Instagrammer, it's not hard to see why “fast furniture” is now a thing.

Oxfam launched #SecondHandSeptember to draw attention to the environmental damage done by the fashion industry, intended to encourage people to buy only second-hand clothing for the month and decreasing the amount we collectively send to landfill.

But there's no reason why you can't extend the challenge from your wardrobe to the rest of your home.

With some canny bargain hunting, inventive upcycling and the odd antique, your home will never have looked better to show off on the 'gram. Thankfully it won't have come at a cost to the world.

"Charity shops and second hand sites such as eBay or Gumtree are a real treasure trove of high quality, affordable furniture and home wares, that can give a home a unique look without breaking the bank", reveals Allison Swaine-Hughes, retail director at the British Heart Foundation.

"Across our 190 home stores we’ve seen a definite rise in customers keen to upcycle pieces such as sideboards or cabinets, giving them a whole new look with a simple lick of paint.

"This trend for reuse not only helps prevent thousands of tonnes of items from ending up in landfill but creates fantastic individual pieces that can’t be found anywhere else.”

Here are five of the best places to score an interiors fix this second-hand September — from big- ticket pieces of furniture to quirky decorative trinkets.

If you're keen to carry on, the British Heart Foundation are launching Reuse Revolution in October
John Angerson

1. Charity shops

Charity shops are often the first port of call when it comes to hunting down second-hand treasures.

You'll need to be in the mood for a rummage and for best results should return at least weekly to find the best gems.

Ask which day the shop sorts though donated items to get first dibs.

If you're inspired to continue with your second hand home after September, the British Heart Foundation are launching Reuse Revolution in October.

The charity is encouraging the public to showcase their upcycled items of furniture for the chance to wine £250 to spend with specialist paint company Annie Sloan.

2. Facebook marketplace

Facebook users can buy, sell or trade items on Facebook Marketplace.

If you have the app on your phone, press the house icon at the bottom. Here you can check local listings to see what's available near you.

Sort listings by item type, price, distance or date listed. Click on anything that catches your eye to find out more information and contact the seller.

3. eBay

You'll find an enormous selection on eBay, from genuine antiques and collectables, to the tat no one could be bothered to car boot.

Also available as a mobile app, it's free to register as a user.

Once you have created an account, simply type details of what you're after into the search bar and start scrolling.

Keep an eye on postage and packaging costs to guard against unwanted surprises.

Some sellers may want you to pick up your new furniture in person or might have a preferred courier service they use.

4. Freecycle

Made up of more than 5,000 groups worldwide, this charity specialises in giving away (and receiving) items for free in your local town or neighbourhood.

Click the browse group tab on the main site to see if Freecycle is active near you and join the group. It's important to join the group as you won't be able to contact any sellers if you stay as a guest.

Scroll through the message board until you find what you need before messaging the owner to talk about collection.

Alfies Antique Market has nearly 100 different dealers

This large indoor market is the crowning glory of Church Street in London's Lisson Grove — itself a haven of antiques shops.

The Art Deco building boasts nearly 100 dealers offering everything from ceramics to silverware. This isn't where you'll pick up your biggest bargains but you could unearth some really fabulous finds and trophy pieces.

“Being a conscious consumer doesn’t mean compromising on quality or style, it means knowing the source of your item, opting for craftsmanship and considering the environment when making a purchase,” says Charlotte Meddings, head of marketing at Alfies Antique Market.

Alfies is joining other guest dealers from around Europe on September 22 to take part in a large vintage street market on Church Street NW8.