The West of England Metro Mayor is urging residents in Bath to buy second-hand clothing to help save money and the planet.
Dan Norris, who leads the West of England Combined Authority, is backing second-hand September, the national fast-fashion-fighting effort led by charity Oxfam.
The campaign encourages people to shop pre-loved and donate what they no longer need or wear.
Marking the annual campaign, the Mayor said that only 10% of the average Bath and North East Somerset resident’s wardrobe in the city is second-hand.
New research shows that if every single person in Bath and North East Somerset, and across the country, bought half of their wardrobe second-hand, it could prevent emissions equivalent to 261,000 flights to Greece entering into the atmosphere.
Buying and donating second-hand clothes gives them a longer life and helps to slow down fast fashion.
Mr Norris said: “It is time to move away from the ‘buying for buying’s sake’ mentality.
“A focus on second-hand would also help Bath and North East Somerset locals with the rising cost of living.”
Mayor Norris, who will tour the Oxfam store on Argyle Street in Bath next week, said: “I’ve always said the cost-of-living and climate crises are two sides of the same coin.
“Choosing second-hand is one way we can all leave a lighter footprint on the planet while saving some cash during this really difficult time for so many at the same time.
“Plus, when you shop at second-hand stores, like Oxfam, you’re raising really important pots of cash for the brilliant charities we have in this country which do so much for so many.
“That’s frankly a brilliant place for Bath and North East Somerset locals to put their cash.
“I urge everyone in Bath and North East Somerset to make the most powerful fashion statement they can and pick old over new this September – and beyond.”
