Sustainable September Returns for 2024

At Dorothy House, we’re proud to be working towards a greener hospice, from the installation of electric vehicle charging points to our partnership with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. Sustainability is also key within our Retail teams, with small measures being taken that make a big difference. One of those measures was the launch of our Sustainable September campaign in 2022. After a successful two successful years, we’re excited to bring it back once again for 2024.

Initially established as a way of driving awareness of the benefits of shopping second-hand, over the last two years, the campaign has grown to show the wider benefits of sustainable shopping, not just within our community, but for the planet. Each year our staff have also been flying the flag for second-hand, showcasing their preloved finds on ‘wear second-hand to work day.’

What is Sustainable September?

The concept of Sustainable September is simple. Exclusively buy and wear second-hand clothing throughout the month. Whether it was purchased in one of our high street charity shops, via our virtual shop, or even from another charity shop or second-hand outlet, the goal is to de-bunk the myths around charity shops, and to showcase the true gems that can be found when you shop preloved.

Alongside highlighting the benefits of second-shopping, Sustainable September also aims to raise awareness of the negative impact fast fashion has on our planet. Currently, the fashion industry is responsible for around 10% of global carbon emissions, and a report by WWF estimated that it could become responsible for a quarter of the world’s carbon budget by 2050.

In recent years, sustainable fashion has become increasingly popular, with more of us heading into charity shops to browse the offerings or buying second-hand clothes online through apps such as Vinted. Despite this, every year, half a million tons of textile waste ends up in landfill, with the majority of it coming from fast fashion companies.

It’s important to realise that everyone can make a difference when it comes to reducing our carbon footprint, and taking part in Sustainable September is a great start!

The impact of the Warehouse Sale

Our charity shops play a key role in helping us serve our communities. In the last year (FY23/24) alone, our shops generated £5.7m in income, which is vital in helping us provide our care. Last year, we added two new shops to our Retail family too. Our Midsomer Norton furniture shop opened its doors in August 2023, followed by our Find Ubiety lifestyle shop, based on London Road in Bath, which opened in September 2023. Alongside these new additions, we also saw our Corsham Warehouse sale become a more frequent event in our Retail calendar.

Based in Corsham, our Warehouse sales bring a whole array of benefits to everyone involved. One of the most enticing factors is that customers can pick up a whole wardrobe refresh for a fraction of the cost. Upon arrival, we provide them with a biodegradable carrier bag which they can fill with clothing for just £10. At the same time, they can also pick up a fantastic selection of preloved furniture, clothing, bric-a-brac, and more at bargain prices. Our 2023 Warehouse sales were so popular that this year, we’ve added even more of them to the events calendar, opening the doors of our Retail HQ every month since February.

Feel-good fashion

Bringing a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘feel-good fashion,’ the income generated at each Warehouse sale helps us to fund vital patient care across our 800sq mile patch. Between April and June this year alone, they raised an incredible £6,300!

Each Warehouse sale sees us selling an average of 15 rails of clothing – each of which holds up to 95 items – that’s over 14,000 garments diverted from landfill every year! Alongside the benefits of raising funds to support our care, there’s also the wider benefit to the environment. Our next Warehouse sale takes place on Saturday 7 September, so be sure to save the date!

There’s another date for your diary too if you’re partial to spot of green fashion. Our pop-up Kilo sale will be taking place at Green Park Station in Bath on Thursday 31 October, where we’ll also have a huge selection of preloved and vintage clothing on sale, which can be purchased at just £15 per kilo! Entry costs £2, and it’s the perfect chance to pick up your autumn wardrobe.

Strength in Style returns for 2024

We’re delighted to be partnering with our friends at We Get It and Children’s Hospice South West for the second year running in the return of the Strength in Style fashion show. An inspiring fusion of fashion and compassion, this collaborative event not only celebrates the work of three local charities, but also the strength and resilience of the individuals they support.

Sustainability is also a key element of the Strength in Style event, partnering with local, independent fashion retailers over bigger high street chains. We’ll be celebrating the fabulous, unique fashion offerings that our local businesses have! The show will also feature sets focusing on sustainable fashion, with clothing sourced from Dorothy House and Children’s Hospice South West charity shops.

Taking place on Thursday 26 September at the stunning Bath Assembly Rooms, it’s set to be a very special evening. Tickets are on sale now and range from £35 (general admission) to £45 (front row) – but hurry, they’re selling fast!

Get involved and share your charity shop finds!

Of course, another way you can get involved in Sustainable September is through social media. Tag us in your charity shop finds on Instagram (@dorothyhousehc) and TikTok (@dorothy.househc) and you could even see yourself appearing on our channels! Whether you’ve spotted some incredible designer pieces or you simply want to shout about your latest purchase, it’s all about celebrating what our shops have to offer.