Second Hand September comes to RBKC

Admin

September 9, 2025
4 min read

An Oxfam-led campaign, Second Hand September is coming to Kensington & Chelsea. The goal is to reduce waste and encourage shoppers to buy second-hand items. This September, Kensington & Chelsea hosts a series of events to give clothes “a new lease of life,” recycle equipment, reduce waste and “support sustainable living.”

In the UK alone, over two tonnes of new clothing are bought every minute. This generates over 50 tonnes of CO2 emissions, the equivalent of driving a car around the planet six times every minute. Over a month, the emissions from newly bought clothes surpass the emissions of flying around the planet 900 times.

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It’s not just clothes that can be recycled. Electronic waste is the world’s fastest-growing waste stream, with old phones, laptops, and other gadgets ending up in landfills, releasing harmful chemicals into water and soil and driving up demand for new devices which require mining for their materials.

For Second Hand September, here are some of the events taking place throughout the borough:

Until 27^th September

Free events throughout September at the borough’s libraries, suitable for all to learn how to be sustainability savvy. See more details on Eventbrite. Schools Stationery and Sports Equipment Donation Drive

Until 13^th September

Donate stationery and sports equipment to be reused within the boroughs’ schools at Kensington and Chelsea libraries. Notting Dale Community Market in Avondale Park

Sunday 14^th September at 11am – 4pm

Come along to Avondale Park to enjoy a community market in the heart of Notting Dale. Discover local traders, fresh produce, hot food, workshops for children and adults, second hand clothes, bike repairs, physical activities, and council services. If you or someone you know is interested in running a stall at a future market, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch at nottingdale2030@rbkc.gov.uk.

Sustainability Fair

Friday 19^th September 12 – 4pm

A Second Hand September themed Sustainability Fair on Tavistock Square. Explore a range of stalls and activities, including:

Tips on how to save money by lowering your emissions
Guidance on reducing plastic waste in your daily life
Sustainability workshops to inspire greener choices
Advice on where to buy second hand and support the circular economy

Climate Café: Second Hand September clothes mending workshop

Thursday 25^th September at 11.30am – 12.30pm

September’s climate café will take place at Leighton House. Join us for a hands-on clothes mending session where you’ll learn different mending techniques such as darning, embroidery and applique, which will give your garments a new lease of life.

Whether you’re new to mending or looking to refine your skills, fabric will be provided to practise on. Discover the joy of visible mending, a creative way to extend the life of your clothes while adding personal flair. The session will end with a warm drink and discussion about sustainable fashion. It’s a free event, but please book in advance online.

Fix It Fest,

Saturday 27^th September 10am – 4pm

Come and join outside North Kensington Leisure Centre for a day of sustainable activities including a bicycle market, free furniture repairs and electrical repairs.

For more updates on Kensington & Chelsea, visit EyeOnLondon Kensington & Chelsea.