1/ Opting for the second-hand market allows an object (clothing, electronics, furniture...) that is no longer used to find other owners, to choose a second-hand alternative for an object that is needed, but also to work for the reuse of defective products.

2/ Purchases represent more than 15% of the average carbon footprint of a person living in France. Manufacturing a new wooden table emits 80.2 kg of CO2eq. People worldwide upgrade their devices every 3.6 years on average, and yet, 90% of its environmental impact comes from its production.

In textiles, 4 billion tonnes of CO2eq/year of global emissions are generated by the apparel and footwear industry, that’s why we prefer second hand!

The production of a cotton T-shirt requires 2,700 litres of fresh water. On average, Europeans consume nearly 26 kg of textiles per year and throw away around 11 kg. Used clothing can be exported outside the EU but most (87%) are incinerated or landfilled.

3/ The production of new objects increases the pressure on resources. For example, the manufacture of a wooden object requires the cutting of trees, that of an electronic object requires the extraction of rare metals, that of a clothing item requires a significant use of water. Manufacturing processes emit CO2eq and contribute to soil and water pollution. Beware, however, of the “rebound effects” associated with overconsumption, legitimized by second hand (e.g. buying and reselling clothes on Vinted).

4/ What if we reuse, give, share? Opting for the circular economy promotes solidarity, develops social ties and reduces environmental impact. Isn’t that great?

Tips :  On the occasion of the holidays, offer your entourage a “secret santa” 100% second-hand! It will save you money at the same time!