Buying second-hand is good for your savings… and it reduces your footprint!

The textile industry: a significant and often invisible impact

With the spread of fast fashion, the number of new clothes sold doubled between 2000 and 2015, while their average duration of use was cut in half in Europe.

Here are a few key figures: 
-    In 2019, more than 190,000 tonnes of clothing were imported into Switzerland. 
-    Each swiss resident consumes an average of 22 kg of clothing per year, 95 per cent of which is imported.
-    The textile industry is responsible for 8% of CO₂ emissions and 20% of industrial wastewater.

Apart from environmental concerns, working conditions in the producing countries are very frequently criticised by human rights NGOs. Furthermore, a large proportion of thrown-away clothing ends up in huge open-air landfill sites in economically disadvantaged countries, causing severe local pollution.
 

Why choose second-hand fashion?

Regarding sustainability, we often hear that “the best purchase is the one you don’t make”. Yet we all need to get dressed. So, what can we do when buying a new pair of trousers becomes necessary? Whilst it isn’t always possible to avoid making a purchase, we can avoid the production of a new clothing item. The pairs of trousers you need probably already exist!

Buying second-hand means: 
•    No new CO₂ emissions or other environmental impact
•    Supporting the circular and local economy, which makes the most of existing resources
•    More affordable prices
•    No support for the fast-fashion industry and its deplorable working conditions
•    A way to make your style stand out ! 
 

How to shop second-hand in Geneva?
More than half of Geneva’s population has already bought second-hand clothes. Join the trend !

1.    Visit the ge-reutilise platform for a complete list of second-hand and upcycling shops in Geneva. Simply filter by ‘Vêtements' to find all the shops near you!
2.    Explore local flea markets which are often real treasure troves for clothes. It’s also the perfect opportunity to upcycle clothes you no longer wear. Find upcoming dates via municipalities agendas and neighbourhood centers.
3.    Check out Geneva's consumption guide (available only in French) for more information and advice on sustainable fashion. There’s a whole section on fashion in the “Taking care of oneself” section.
4.    Explore the page "Where can you shop for local and sustainable clothing in Geneva? Our top picks" to discover local resources on this topic!

By making second-hand shopping a habit, you’re turning a common action into a concrete step to fight climate change!
 

Sources : 
•    Le Temps (2024): En vidéo: L’empreinte carbone d’un t-shirt en coton expliquée en une minute - Le Temps 
•    RTS (2022): Nos vieux habits font des milliers de kilomètres pour finir dans des décharges | RTS 
•    RTS (2025) La Suisse est parmi les pays consommant le plus de mode jetable | RTS 
•    ADEME (2024) La librairie ADEME - Réalisation d'un bilan des émissions de gaz à effet de serre : filière mode et textile 
•    UNIGE (2023) : Rapport sur la mode durable commanditée par la ville de Genève. 
•    Ellen Macarthur Foundation (2017): A New Textiles Economy - Summary of findings
•    État de Genève (2024) : Enquête sur la seconde main réalisée par l'État de Genève