Siobhán McSweeney, an actor, TV host, and advocate for sustainable fashion, has formally inaugurated the Oxfam Ireland Second Hand September campaign for this year. The public is encouraged to "Dress for the world you want" and sign up for the month-long campaign, which is in its sixth year.
Commencing on September 1st, the sixth year of the annual campaign appears to be the most ambitious to date.
The campaign is bringing attention to the effects of the textile industry on the environment by promoting the use of sustainable and pre-owned clothing. Clothing doesn't have to be expensive, and buying used clothing can help combat the effects of climate change.
ETHICAL BUYING - "SATISFYING"
Speaking ahead of the awareness-raising campaign, McSweeney explains why she was delighted to serve as the campaign's lead ambassador.
"I was overjoyed to be asked. When Oxfam asked me to become their ambassador, I accepted right away. Being a bad actor and then a bad student has taught me valuable lessons. Even after I started making a little more money, I continued to shop at the same thrift stores. There are better-quality, more interesting clothing options that fit a wider range of body types. As someone who is interested in clothes, it makes sense to me.
Siobhán said, "The best part of the whole experience is knowing that you're not adding to the complete mess of the world." It's even more fulfilling. When it comes to clothing, there is a great deal of ethical responsibility. Much emphasis is placed on the individual. In the face of such massive systems that actively oppose those attempting to bring about positive change in the world, there is very little that we can do. It's an incredible feeling to know that you could be contributing to something positive instead of adding to the negativity by purchasing a really cool pre-owned article of clothing.
"This issue really gets under my skin. I believe that women in particular are burdened with a disproportionate amount of guilt and accountability for making changes over which we have little control. The fact that I'm not adding to the mess or the landfill is my favorite thing about buying used goods.
SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The humanitarian organization spearheads the month-long campaign to increase awareness and encourage people to alter their shopping habits. It also helps to mitigate the negative effects of fast fashion globally.
Mark Sweeney from Oxfam Ireland's Trading Team stated, "We are sharing a simple but striking fact." "Choosing where and how to purchase clothing is one area where each person's actions can make a significant and long-lasting difference. People's choices about what to wear can have an impact because the textile industry is the second-biggest polluter in the world, behind the oil industry. "Dress for the World You Want," our campaign's theme, encourages people to make thoughtful decisions about doing the right thing by dressing beautifully worn-out ensembles that speak to their identity and the kind of world they envision.
"Siobhán McSweeney's addition to Oxfam Ireland this year brings great joy to the entire team." Siobhán is well-known and adored for her frequent on-screen persona, but she is also esteemed for her advocacy of eco-friendly fashion and her purchase of gently used goods.
