Words by Smiley Team
The stigma of buying used goods is a thing of the past, as nine in 10 people are happy to shop secondhand, research shows.
The study, commissioned by Virgin Media O2, coincides with the launch of its new Do One Thing campaign, which aims to inspire people to make changes to their lifestyles – big or small – to help to protect the planet for current and future generations.
With more people wanting to lead greener lives, the poll found almost half of Brits are more likely to buy preowned items now than they would have five years’ ago, with two thirds happy to buy used or refurbished mobile phones – one of the most sought-after second-hand items available.
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A further three in 10 enjoy buying pre-loved clothing, while 35% seek out retro furniture, and 24% like sourcing old homeware goods. Almost eight in 10 of those polled also saw shopping second-hand as one easy step they can take to be kinder to the planet.
The Do One Thing campaign is backed by Virgin Media O2’s new sustainability strategy, the Better Connections Plan, which sets out the company’s bold and ambitious commitments to use its purpose, people, and products to power a better, more connected, and greener future for its customers and communities nationwide.
Nicola Green from Virgin Media O2 said: “With our ‘Do One Thing’ campaign, we want to inspire everyone to make changes to their lifestyles – big or small – to help protect the planet.
“It’s all part of Virgin Media O2’s new Better Connections Plan where we’re stepping up for people, communities and the planet. We’re cutting carbon faster, powering tech of the future to create cleaner towns and cities, helping to tackle e-waste, and donating devices and data to people in need so everyone can live in a better, more connected, and greener world.”
As part of the Do One Thing campaign, Virgin Media O2 is establishing a Youth Advisory Council – made up of Gen Z activists – to advise the company on the impacts of the climate crisis on young people. The Council will enable Virgin Media O2 to platform the views and voices of young people, working with them to develop innovative ways to tackle the climate crisis together.
In addition, the company is creating a £500,000 Eco Fund, which will be run in partnership with environmental charity, Hubbub, to support community groups across the country to run projects which encourage sustainable living to help to address the climate crisis and empower people to do one thing to protect the planet. Applications for grants will open later this year.
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