‘Meán Fómhair na hAthláimhe’ faoi lán seoil ag Oxfam Éireann

Oxfam Éireann has launched Meán Fómhair na hAthláimhe (Second Hand September), a campaign encouraging people to donate second-hand clothing to reduce textile waste and support sustainable practices. The initiative began on Monday, aiming to raise awareness about the environmental impact of fast fashion and promote reuse over buying new garments. Participants can contribute by donating unwanted clothing to Oxfam’s stores or online platforms, helping to divert textiles from landfills and provide affordable options to those in need. According to data from NATEX, the average person in Ireland uses around 53 kilograms of textiles annually, with nearly half being new clothing, among the highest rates in Europe. This highlights the urgent need for change in consumption habits and greater emphasis on sustainability. Emma Doran, Oxfam Éireann’s 2026 Meán Fómhair na hAthláimhe ambassador, emphasized the importance of sharing resources within communities. She shared her personal experience of donating her children’s clothes to thrift stores, noting how it allowed her to give them value while reducing waste. “It’s a practical and easy way to make a difference,” she said. Doran also highlighted the role of language and culture in promoting sustainability, citing the efforts of Bláithín de Búrca, a television presenter and Gaelic ambassador, who encourages participation in the campaign through the Irish language. De Búrca expressed gratitude for the cultural and linguistic richness gained from the campaign, emphasizing the connection between sustainability and community values. Meanwhile, in France, authorities have introduced penalties targeting fast fashion brands such as Shein and Temu, aiming to curb the rapid production and sale of inexpensive clothing. These fines, part of a broader fast-fashion regulation enacted in June, range from €0.25 for basic items like socks to €12 for coats, with amounts capped at 50% of the product’s pre-tax price. The measures come amid growing pressure to address environmental concerns linked to overproduction and excessive waste. The fines are calculated based on factors such as the number of items sold, their price, and their potential for repair, reflecting a shift toward holding manufacturers accountable for their environmental impact. Shein, one of the companies facing these penalties, has faced additional challenges due to the closure of duty-free access for low-cost e-commerce shipments in the EU and the US. This has contributed to a decline in its valuation ahead of its planned stock market listing in Hong Kong. While neither Shein nor Temu has commented publicly on the fines, Shein’s French representative, Quentin Ruffat, previously warned that such penalties could lead to higher prices for consumers. In response, China’s Ministry of Commerce criticized the French law as discriminatory and potentially violating World Trade Organization rules, highlighting ongoing tensions between regulatory frameworks and international trade policies. French authorities plan to increase the penalties starting in 2030, with the aim of making fast fashion more sustainable. Under EU regulations, member states are required to establish Extended Producer Responsibility bodies to manage textile waste. In France, these organizations will collect the fines from importers or manufacturers responsible for fast fashion products, ensuring that the costs of managing waste are borne by those producing the goods. This approach aligns with broader efforts across the EU to promote circular economy models, where reuse and recycling play central roles in reducing environmental harm. In parallel, the Údarás na Gaeltachta (Office of the Gaeltacht) has launched a print and publishing initiative aimed at supporting local language and cultural preservation. Over 40 print projects, ranging from books and magazines to educational materials, are available for purchase, with some priced above €2,000 per item. The initiative includes a wide variety of content, including traditional crafts, literature, and digital tools designed to enhance learning and engagement. With more than 70 publications participating, the program seeks to empower individuals interested in language revitalization and cultural heritage. Aisling Nic Aoidh, an officer with the Office of the Gaeltacht, noted the significance of the initiative in fostering community involvement and providing essential services to those seeking to preserve their linguistic and cultural identity.