We’re all having to tighten our belts to get through the economic recession that’s spreading across the world. Here’s a solution to your fashion needs at a fraction of the price. Charity shops, online and off and second-hand clothes at online auction sites are the perfect way to shop from an environmental point of view, and they’re far kinder on the pocket than buying new eco-friendly goods.

TRAID. Textile Recycling for Aid and International Development

TRAID was nominated in the Re:Use category at the Re:Fashion Awards 2008 (there’s still time to get tickets if you hurry).

They’re a charity shop with oodles of style. I used to frequent the one in Brixton when I lived there a few years ago, and picked up some awesome togs there, cheap. There are lots more TRAID’s all around London, and one in Brighton.

Oxfam: Second-hand store, Ethical Collection, Oxfam Unwrapped and Christmas

Buy second-hand clothes online, or at your local Oxfam shop. Jeans, coats, tops, vintage and bridal wear are all available at their online shop.

Then there is their Ethical Store for reasonably priced new organic and Fairtrade wardrobe basics and accessories, food and drink, stationery, books, Christmas stuff and home accessories.

eBay: buy second-hand and vintage clothes, accessories, furniture and anything else you could imagine

It’s easy to buy and sell second-hand clothes on eBay. Just set up an account and you can bid on stuff you want, and list the stuff you don’t. I have picked up some amazing bits of furniture, boots and shoes and a great hat on eBay, well worth having a look at.

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