Seasonal Second-Hand Shopping

Is it too early to mention the 'C' word?
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Well, I will anyway! Christmas is less than 2 months away and savvy shoppers such as yourselves may be thinking of getting presents early to spread the cost.

Before you do this...

Why not shop second hand?

You could purchase something from a charity shop for your family members and friends at a cheaper cost. This would provide  money for charitable causes AND it prevents excess waste going to landfill.

Did you know that 19% of Christmas gifts that people receive are put into landfill each year?? Ward, G. (2019).

The result of this being captured in the image below...

Image by Dobson, M. (2020)

Shocking? Absolutely! Many of us consumers don't see the 'dark' side of post Christmas consumption waste, as it no longer becomes our problem once we bin the items.

This mindset needs to be changed. I'm not suggesting that shopping second hand will solve these mass waste problems, I just think if we try to turn to places like charity shops to source items, it means less will be produced and in turn wasted.

And yes, as previously stated it will be more time consuming trying to find specific items, but as my earlier blog mentions, Oxfam have a great online shop where you can find items directly in the search bar! (Have a read of it!).

If, inevitably, the recipient of your present doesn't like it, they can simply return it to the charity shop to continue a circular economy! 
 
Whatever way you look at it, change needs to start with you and me, and shopping second hand for big events such as Christmas can be a small change that is easily implemented. 

What will you be doing for presents in the run up to Christmas?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below, or post any pictures of your recent finds!




Dobson, M. (2020). Christmas Packaging Facts (2020): A Wide Range of Eye Opening Stats. [online] GWP Group. Available at: https://www.gwp.co.uk/guides/christmas-packaging-facts/.

Ward, G. (2019). Boutique Magazine - Talking rubbish: 23 million unwanted gifts destined for landfill this Christmas. [online] Boutique Magazine. Available at: https://boutique-magazine.co.uk/talking-rubbish-23-million-unwanted-gifts-destined-for-landfill-this-christmas/.

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