Australian homeowners saved $432 million last year through second-hand shopping, a new study revealed this week.
The research by not-for-profit Charitable Reuse Australia in partnership with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), looked at re-use activity in NSW in 2022-23, through organisations such as charity stores, social enterprises, and second-hand clothing stores.
The findings show re-use is providing substantial financial relief to households, through reducing expenses while also delivering job opportunities, charity support, and reduced carbon emissions.
NSW EPA CEO Tony Chappel said that supporting the re-use sector means supporting local charities and community groups, who reinvest millions back into our economy.
“It’s a powerful reminder that every item donated or purchased second-hand has a ripple effect of positive outcomes”, he added.
“As we face climate change challenges, efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve water are more important than ever.”
Re-use is also accelerating the state’s transition to a circular economy, saving 321,000 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to removing 134,000 passenger vehicles from the road.
Charitable Reuse Australia CEO Omer Soker remarked that whenever Australians donate a quality item or buy something pre-loved from a charity shop, they make a massive impact socially and environmentally.
“It’s inspiring to see how many second-hand items are being rehomed, keeping them out of landfill and putting them back into the hands of those who need them”, Soker said.
Other key findings estimate that re-use organisations have:
• Rehomed 107.7 million second-hand items;
• Repaired 3,900 tonnes of items for re-use;
• Sold or donated second-hand goods valued at $243 million;
• Reinvested $51 million raised into social and community programs;
• Avoided the direct consumption of 29,900 tonnes of virgin materials; and
• Saved 80,000 hectares of land, equivalent to the size of 75,000 soccer pitches.
For more information or to read the report, visit epa.nsw.gov.au/charitable-reuse
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