Survey Shows 84% of Britons Now Choose Second-Hand Items
A recent survey conducted by YouGov for FCC Environment highlights a growing trend among British consumers: an increasing preference for buying and donating second-hand goods.
Reuse on the Rise
The poll reveals that 84% of British shoppers now purchase second-hand items, reflecting a steady increase in reuse habits over recent years. This marks a notable growth of approximately 10% since 2022.
The motivations behind this behaviour are varied:
- Cost Savings: 70% of respondents cited affordability as the primary reason for buying second-hand.
- Sustainability: 43% are motivated by environmental concerns.
- Uniqueness: 42% enjoy finding one-of-a-kind items unavailable elsewhere.
Charity Donations Remain Strong
The survey also found that donating unwanted items to charity shops remains a popular practice, with 87% of respondents contributing items, and 61% doing so at least every six months. This underscores the public’s continued commitment to supporting local charities through reuse.
Gemma Green, FCC Environment’s reuse development manager, observed:
“Despite the rise of online marketplaces, people still value the experience of donating and buying in person. Almost nine in ten individuals donate their unwanted goods to charity, showing the enduring importance of these physical spaces in fostering reuse.”
Support for Onsite Reuse Shops
Public demand for reuse facilities is strong, with 83% of people supporting the idea of placing reuse shops at or near all household waste recycling centres. This figure has remained consistently high, increasing from 79% in 2022 to 85% in 2023.
What Items Are Most Popular?
For those with access to a local reuse shop, the most frequently purchased items include:
- Books
- Household furniture
- Garden tools and accessories
Growth in Repair Culture
In addition to reuse, there is a noticeable shift towards repair culture. The number of people visiting repair cafés has almost doubled, rising from 5% in 2023 to 9% in 2024. This trend highlights a growing awareness of the environmental and economic benefits of repairing over discarding.
Green commented:
“Reuse and repair go hand in hand. The increase in people choosing to repair broken items is a promising sign that we’re moving closer to a circular economy.”
The Future of Reuse and Repair
With the public’s appetite for reuse growing year by year, and a burgeoning interest in repair initiatives, the UK is gradually embracing more sustainable consumption practices. This cultural shift not only benefits the environment but also strengthens local communities through reuse and donation efforts.