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1458 tonnes of CO2 saved during the first "Swiss Secondhand Day"

This initiative, which was started by the online marketplace Ricardo, Circular Economy Switzerland, the newspaper "20 Minuten" and myclimate, has the goal of encouraging more sustainable and conscientious consumer behaviour. In total, 56,300 second-hand items were sold. Compared to new purchases, 1458 tonnes of CO2 emissions were saved in this way. myclimate developed a detailed and scientific computational model to calculate these savings.

Hundreds of second-hand shops, swap meets and individuals took active part in "Secondhand Day" with creative sales ideas. The amount of 1458 tons of emissions saved during the day on 26 September 2020 impressively shows how much potential second-hand consumerism has for climate protection. A considerably longer service life of products and fewer new purchases could provide tremendous help when it comes to achieving the climate goals.

Only 2 per cent of consumer goods purchased in Switzerland are second-hand. A longer product service life, or a second life as a second-hand product, can lead to massive CO2 savings and help us achieve our climate goals. For this reason, "Secondhand Day" was brought into being and myclimate is supporting it as a partner.

 

Calculation method

myclimate considered manufacturing, packaging and transportation of new products in its calculation method for emission savings.
For this reason, we differentiated between product or components manufactured in Asia (China/India) or Europe. The emissions arising from the Ricardo online platform and during transportation of the sold used goods were also calculated. These are however in the low, single digit percentage range when compared to the emissions created through the manufacturing, packaging and transport of new goods. The calculation method always assumes the minimum emission of a product. In this way, the various characteristics of an article (material, production, origin etc) are taken into account. In some categories, the values are roughly estimated, so that they can sometimes vary from the actual emission value of a product. Any variances should, however, even out over the course of a year and when all products sold are taken into consideration.

About Secondhand Day
This initiative was brought into being by Ricardo, myclimate, Circular Economy Switzerland and 20 Minuten. On average, the Swiss produce about 14 tonnes of CO2 per year and person. A significant part of this can be attributed to consumer goods. The individual carbon footprint occurs for the most part here through the production, transport and disposal of the goods rather than their use. Consumer behaviour offers enormous savings opportunities and the potential for change. The goal of "Secondhand Day" is to start dialogue on a national scale and encourage us to treat our environment better. This initiative does not call for sacrifice, but rather more conscientious consumerism and a longer service life of products. You can find even more information here.

 

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