Second-hand and Ethical Homeware: a Buying Guide
Comfortable shopping for second hand books and clothes, but not sure where to start with homeware? In this blog, we’ll explore small steps you can take to change how you decorate, clean and shop for your home. By opting for homeware made from eco-friendly materials, supporting fair trade artisans, and embracing pre-loved items, you can create a unique living space that’s kinder to people and planet.
And if you’d like to learn more, read about Oxfam’s work to tackle climate change.
Buying second hand homeware
Buying second-hand homeware may be a more sustainable (and stylish!) way to enhance your living space. By choosing pre-loved items, you not only discover one-of-a-kind pieces like vintage ceramic, antique furniture and charming glassware, you also extend the life of existing items. Plus, when you shop at Oxfam, you’re also supporting vital work in tackling the inequality that fuels poverty. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece or refreshing your home, shopping pre-loved homeware is a more thoughtful choice.
Some people may have reservations about shopping second-hand due to concerns about quality. At Oxfam, we only sell good quality, clean items, and any donations that don't meet our criteria are not sold. We want to ensure that shopping second-hand is just as enjoyable—if not more—than buying new, especially when you find something unique that suits you. Learn more about our donation criteria.
Buying from ethical brands
When shopping for homeware, buying from ethical brands is a powerful way to support fairer trading practices. But how do you know if a brand is truly ethical? Looking for certifications like Fairtrade can be a good place to start and with Oxfam’s Sourced by Oxfam range, we work hard to source products from accountable suppliers who put people and planet before profit. Whether that’s through championing Fair trade, caring for our planet, or creating fair employment for the people behind the products.
Other things to look out for are how and where a brand sources its products. Ethical brands often prioritise locally-sourced materials and many also use eco-friendly processes and materials, such as recycled fabrics and upcycled goods to reduce their environmental impact.
You can find all sorts of homeware from our Sourced by Oxfam brands. Put your feet up in style with this unique Recycled Sari Footstall Recycled Sari Footstall made from recycled saris. Or this Recycled Cotton Purple Diamond Rug made by artisans in India.
There are also eco-friendly products you can use to keep your home clean and fresh, like those from Miniml. Miniml offers natural cleaning products that are cruelty-free and vegan. For example, their naturally-fragranced Blood Orange Multi-Surface Cleaner not only leaves your home sparkling but also fills it with a refreshing, natural scent. Supporting brands like Miniml ensures you're making more planet-conscious choices while maintaining a clean and healthy home environment.
Sourced by Oxfam also offers an eco-living range where you can shop for a variety of products, such as our limited-edition archive collection. This collection is inspired by a 1990s Oxfam poster from the Bodleian Library in Oxford, reworked into a unique, eco-conscious design. The range includes items like a reusable cutlery set, offering an alternative to single-use plastic kitchenware. Or check out our Eco-Jiko Pot Scrubber, made from beechwood—a charming, plastic-free cleaning solution for your kitchen.
Buying quality homeware that lasts longer
When it comes to homeware, investing in quality items that stand the test of time can be both financially-savvy and more environmentally-responsible. While high-quality products often come with a higher initial price tag, they often offer a longer product lifespan, saving you from the cycle of frequent replacements.
From vintage wooden furniture to cast-iron cookware online marketplaces and second-hand shops are treasure troves of durable goods with character and longevity.
Shopping second-hand is also a great way to discover unique antiques or elegant silverware, adding a touch of timeless sophistication to your home. Occasionally, books aren't just for reading—they can also serve as stylish décor. Second-hand books, with their aesthetically pleasing covers and vintage charm, can add a unique and stylish touch to any room in your home. By opting for second-hand, you extend the life of these items and save money at the same time!
A Creative Approach to Homeware
Upcycling existing homeware offers a unique way to reduce waste by repurposing items you already own, extending their life and reducing the demand for new items. Not only is this approach more sustainable, it’s more creative, letting you customise pieces to suit your home’s style.
Many items can be upcycled, including wooden pallets into shelving, glass jars into stylish storage, or old textiles into cushion covers or rugs. Pairing second-hand shopping with upcycling offers endless possibilities for creating truly unique pieces. For instance, a thrifted dining chair can be painted and recovered to fit your décor, or vintage silverware can be fashioned into hooks or art pieces. Look for pre-loved homeware to start upcycling, shop now.
Once you get into the swing of upcycling, why not take it a step further and try transforming pieces from your wardrobe? For example, turn an old top into a trendy tote bag or repurpose a pair of worn-out jeans into unique denim placemats. With a bit of creativity, you can breathe new life into your clothes.Get started with some inspiring ideas.
Making more ethical choices for your home doesn’t have to be daunting—it can be an exciting journey of discovery and creativity. Oxfam offers a wide range of pre-loved and ethical homeware options that help you create a beautiful space. And whether you’re shopping second-hand, exploring the Sourced by Oxfam range, or upcycling your finds, every purchase you make helps fund projects to build a fairer and more equal world. Visit Oxfam’s online shop or find your local shop today.
