Global fashion industry produces enough unworn clothes each year to provide every Scot with 2,200 outfits
Shocking new analysis from Oxfam reveals that up to 40% of clothes made globally each year - a staggering 46 billion garments – are not sold and go unworn, enough to provide every person in Scotland with more than 2,200 ‘new’ outfits.
The global fashion industry is already a major polluter but by 2050 the industry is on course to produce 138 billion items of unworn and unsold clothes every year – enough to stretch from the Earth to Mars and back, at its closest approach. Without action, this risks exacerbating a climate crisis which is already fueling poverty and hunger.
Oxfam’s research also shows that if all 1.6 billion unused items of clothes currently owned by the UK population were reused and worn, it would be enough to meet the needs of the entire population of Edinburgh for 502 years, or roughly 20 generations, highlighting the huge potential to cut waste and emissions by keeping clothes in circulation.
The findings mark the start of Oxfam’s annual Second Hand September campaign calling on people across Scotland to dress for the world they want by shopping and donating second-hand to help combat the damaging impacts of fast fashion and keep the clothes already in existence in use for longer.
The latest data shows that Scotland’s carbon footprint rocketed 14.6 percent between 2020 and 2021 following a pandemic-related dip, with this surge driven by a rise in emissions generated as a result of imported goods and services. Oxfam says switching to second-hand is a simple step people in Scotland can take to cut waste and reduce emissions.
Tom Richardson, Oxfam's Head of Operations in Scotland, said: “Second Hand September is all about dressing for the world you want to see. Globally, millions of clothes are produced every year that are never even worn, a staggering waste of resources and energy. Here in Scotland, shopping second hand isn’t just a sustainable choice, it’s a stylish and affordable one too.
“By donating and buying clothes at Oxfam, people are helping to cut the demand for new clothing, reduce waste, protect the planet, and raise vital funds for Oxfam’s work tackling poverty. It’s fashion that looks good, feels good, and does good.”
Further research by Oxfam highlights items of clothing are worn for less than five days on average in the UK, spending over 99 per cent of their lifetime in the closet, a stark reminder of how much money and energy are wasted, and how much extra pollution is created, when clothes aren’t kept in use.
Previous Oxfam research has shown that if all UK adults bought half of their next wardrobe second-hand, it could prevent a whopping 12.5 billion kilogrammes of carbon dioxide emissions entering the atmosphere - the equivalent to a plane flying around the world more than 17,000 times.
Since it launched in 2019, Oxfam’s Second Hand September has helped thousands of people to shop more sustainably by encouraging them shop secondhand – reducing the need for brand-new clothes which produce planet damaging pollution when they are manufactured – while also supporting Oxfam’s work helping to build fairer futures around the world.
/ENDS
For more information and interviews, please contact: Rebecca Lozza, Oxfam Scotland Media and Communications Adviser: rlozza1@oxfam.org.uk / 07917738450
Notes to Editors
Methodology available: https://oxfam.box.com/s/j7d2skr2wvjvp4r4dwyb4zysk161s6of
Scotland’s carbon footprint
Between 2020 and 2021, Scotland’s carbon footprint (emissions from all greenhouse gases) increased by 14.6 per cent from 51.6 to 59.2 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) in 2021: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scotlands-carbon-footprint-1998-2021/pages/key-points/
Oxfam
Oxfam is a global community of people who believe in a kinder, and radically better world, where everyone has the power to thrive not just survive. We believe we can overcome poverty by fighting the injustices and inequalities that fuel it.
Oxfam has 41 shops in Scotland and more than 500 shops across 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/
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.
Participants can use the hashtags #SecondHandSeptember #FoundInOxfam on Instagram, TikTok and Twitter when they post their finds, and tag @OxfamGB.
Click here for more information on how to get involved: https://www.oxfam.org.uk/get-involved/second-hand-september/
