GT: 3 Ways To Take Part In Second Hand September

Did you feel it? The ever-so-slight chill in the morning air this week? Yep. It had us thinking about fall, too. And it also had us thinking that it is now September. And in addition to being one of our favorite seasons to take part in all things outdoors with a temperature that's a bit more comfortable than in the Summer months, it also means it's Second Hand September. What is Second Hand September you ask? Second Hand September is a month long challenge started by Oxfam in 2019 to encourage shoppers to shop second hand to lessen their impact on the planet. Their stance is that when you shop second hand, donate, reuse, rewear, and restyle you reduce waste, take a stance against climate change, and help create a fairer world. And while this movement started as a way to address the climate impacts of the fashion industry* it certainly applies to the cause that we hold near and dear to our hearts. Outdoor Gear. So read on for our 3 easy ways to take part in Second Hand September. * These are just a few of the stats that should have everyone taking a good hard look at the items we add to our closets.

• The fashion industry makes up 10% of global carbon emissions
• The fashion industry uses 93 billion cubic meters of water every year
• 87% of fiber input used for clothing is incinerated or ends up in landfills

Step one: Edit Your Closet

Did you know the easiest way to lower your carbon footprint is to resell/give away what you already own? Winter is coming and now is a great time as you are putting away your Summer gear and brushing off your Winter gear to take stock of what you have and what you need. Overwhelmed, not sure where to start? Here are three types of gear that you should send our way. Unused gear. You know the items we mean, that just in case gear, or the gear you found on a pro deal that you thought you would use and never did. Send that in, and sell it to someone that will use it. Gear that no longer fits. Maybe you’ve recently grown your family and some activities are just off the table. Maybe your feet have grown, maybe that jacket no longer fits, maybe you don’t live near the beach anymore (so that surfboard is pretty useless in your garage). 

Whatever the case, this is gear that somebody else will happily wear out and love. 
We’ve all gotten stoked on an activity and went all in. Whether it be rock climbing or knitting, you know the feeling. Realizing an activity isn’t for you at this point in time is totally fine even if you already went all in on the gear. No judgement here, we make it easy. Send it in with our free shipping label/box and we take care of the rest.

Step two: Shop UnNew

The challenge asks for the month of September if you do need to shop, buy second hand. Here at Geartrade, we tend to think this is an all year round state of mind. As you were editing your closet, you may have noticed you need to replace or upgrade some of the gear that you just sent our way. Shopping secondhand is our wheelhouse, and you are in luck, now through September 11th we are having our Gear Up For Fall Sale. Get an extra 20% off on select Geartrade items only using the multi-use promo code FallGear at checkout.

Step three: Repair/Upcycle

Sometimes all your gear needs to be perfectly usable is a little gear tape to add some character. or a stich or two to sew up a tear or rip. We loved those well worn pieces that fit just right. For our easy tips on how to repair gear head here. Do you have any ideas or tips that we missed? Hit us up on social and let us know. Until next time: have fun, be safe, and we’ll see you outside! Cynthia Yeo is the Marketing Director for Geartrade. When she is not behind the desk, you can find her hiking or skiing the Wasatch Front, climbing and camping in Maple Canyon, traveling the world with her amazing family and friends, or just chilling out and reading by the fire. Follow us on Instagram + Facebook: Tag us @geartrade with the hashtag #unnewoutdoor #wearitout on your post or story for a chance to be featured on our page.

Have Fall gear to sell? Get cracking.

Have Jackets, Backpacks, Rain Gear, Puffies, Tents, Sleeping bags, Hike & Camp gear, or Bike gear? Now is the time to sell them. It is now easier than ever to sell your gear on Geartrade. With our Consignment Selling option you can finally reclaim your gear closet. Send it in. We take care of the rest.