We know we need to change. Yet we continue to act as if the future does not concern us. The dopamine rush from a new purchase lasts for minutes, but the consequences for the planet last for generations.
Together with the second-hand chain Artikel2, journalist Maria Soxbo (Klimatklubben), the waste company Luleå Miljöresurs, the association Medveten konsumtion and business strategist Louise Wintzell, we have written an opinion piece on the personal benefits of refraining from shopping.
In Sweden, we consume clothes as if we were three times more people and most of us already have ten thousand things at home that are hardly used. Saying no to unnecessary purchases is actually a yes to something bigger. A yes to a life where relationships, sustainability and quality of life matter more than the amount of stuff. When you choose sustainable consumption, you choose the future we build together.
The article Why you should give up Black Week - 7 unexpected insights is published in Dagens Arena. It was published the week before Black Week to highlight our resistance to the buying frenzy and inspire more conscious and sustainable consumption.
On Saturday, October 4, donate all our stores will donate their daily cash registers to Radiohjälpen's fundraising campaign Världens Barn. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of Erikshjälpen's collaboration with Radiohjälpen.
Erikshjälpen's contribution to Världens Barn
Since its inception 25 years ago, Erikshjälpen Second Hand has contributed over 50 million Swedish kronor (SEK) to projects for children all over the world.
Last year, the stores sold for 3,280,072 Swedish kronor (SEK), a fantastic sum that we hope to surpass as we celebrate our anniversary.
The money goes to Erikshjälpen's projects in Bangladesh
The money from Erikshjälpen Second Hand and other collections through Världens Barn goes, among other things, to Erikshjälpen's projects in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh is a country severely affected by climate disasters. There, we are working with the local organization Friendship to enable children, especially girls, to continue going to school despite floods, long school distances and the risk of child marriage.
How to celebrate the World's Children in our stores
Many of our stores around the country draw attention to the World's Children in different ways. Tip walks, drawing workshops, fish ponds or something extra tasty in Uncle Erik's Kafé are some examples of what the stores organize.
By shopping in the stores, you always contribute to giving children around the world a better future, but on October 4 it will also be a festive experience.
- In our stores there is a great drive to want to make a difference," says Jerker Sandell.
The World's Children campaign gives us another opportunity to engage and do more for children around the world.
Världens Barn is Radiohjälpen's largest fundraising campaign and is a collaboration between Swedish Television, Swedish Radio P4 and 14 aid and children's rights organizations, of which Erikshjälpen is one. The starting point for Världens Barn is the right of all children to health, school and security.
Anna Tenje (M), Minister for Elderly and Social Security, visited Erikshjälpen Second Hand in Växjö this week. The visit focused on the organization's social interventions, but was also about the importance of sustainable consumption.
A ministerial visit with a focus on social interventions
Monday September 15th Anna Tenje, Minister for Elderly and Social Insurance, visited Erikshjälpen Second Hand in Växjö to take part in a presentation about our social mission. Erikshjälpen Second Hand Hand has a comprehensive social mission where the goal is to be an attractive practice coordinator for both the individual, the organisations and society.
- " Erikshjälpen Second Hand plays an important role in supporting people who are excluded and giving them a way back into working life. Both I and the government know that civil society interventions mean a lot for integration and rehabilitation," says Anna Tenje.
Operations Manager Jan Niklasson and longtime volunteer Sören Andersson received Anna Tenje in the Växjö store. Photo: Lena Elf
Operations Manager Jan Niklasson and longtime volunteer Sören Andersson received Anna Tenje in the Växjö store. Photo: Lena Elf
An insight into the business and its social interventions
During her visit, Anna Tenje learned more about how Erikshjälpen Second Hand in Växjö functions as both a meeting place and a workplace. Operations Manager Jan Niklasson explained that commitment and social interventions go hand in hand. Volunteers, interns and employees together create a warm and welcoming workplace.
The store in Växjö employs a total of around 120 people, including 26 employees, 17 trainees and around 80 volunteers.
Sustainable consumption - Anna chooses second hand even during royal visits
The tour also highlighted the importance of sustainable consumption. The Minister, who often shops second hand, emphasized that in a role where entertainment is part of everyday life, environmentally conscious choices are particularly important.
- I don't want to wear the same dress too many times, but I still try to be environmentally conscious if I can. Second hand is a good option, and at Erikshjälpen I know that the money goes to good things. Several of my dresses from here have been to the Royal Palace," says Anna Tenje.
Civil society plays an important role
The ministerial visit ended with a reflection on the important role that Erikshjälpen Second Hand plays in creating pathways back to working life. As a meeting place for personal development, job training and social networks, the store in Växjö shows how civil society interventions contribute to integration and rehabilitation.
From the visit today, I take with me Erikshjälpen's ability to never give up on people.
Roland Nelsson, who was the leader of Erikshjälpen for many years, passed away on Sunday August 24 after a short illness. In a joint eulogy, the current and former Secretary-General share their thoughts and memories of him.
Memorial words by Erikshjälpens Secretary-General
After a short illness, Roland Nelsson has passed away. It is with great gratitude that we remember his life and work. He was Erikshjälpen's director¹, our predecessor, between 1983 and 1998. During this period, the organization was strongly influenced by his creativity, boldness and fearless willingness to try new ways.
It was under Roland Nelsson's leadership that Erikshjälpen Second Hand took shape. An idea that today has developed into a nationwide network of shops that finance aid work, create community, integration and sustainability. He was also one of the initiators of the Scandinavian Medical Bank, which enables hundreds of Nordic doctors to work voluntarily in hospitals and clinics around the world where knowledge and interventions are needed. Through these initiatives, Roland left a mark that is still bearing fruit today, changing the lives of countless children and families around the world.
Roland has always been a colorful personality, marked by a clear calling to serve God and help the most vulnerable. He liked to take over the room with his valve trombone, his ringing laughter and his subtle stories. These stories could be about statesmen and potentates he met, but just as often about vulnerable children and women who touched him deeply. Roland was a preacher at heart, a popular speaker and a popular leader. He thrived on cross-purposes when opinions were divided and the scales of debate rose high. After his time at Erikshjälpen, he was the organization's ambassador and inspiration for the rest of his life. He was interviewed at staff gatherings, spoke in churches and thrift stores. He encouraged and admonished in a good mix.
Roland was deeply attached to his wife Gudrun, or Guggan as she came to be known. He was also enormously proud of his children Camilla and Putte, and later his grandchildren, who often featured prominently in his stories.
Roland Nelsson leaves behind a rich legacy, a life characterized by faith, commitment and joy. For many, he is the very essence of Erikshjälpen. His importance for the organization and for children around the world cannot be overestimated. Many of us remember with great gratitude a friend, leader and inspirer. He has left a deep mark - in the wider world and in the hearts of individuals.
Authors: Lars Anderås, Bengt Swerlander, Daniel Grahn, former Secretary-General
Mattias Ingeson, Secretary-General of Erikshjälpen
The title Secretary-General used to be called Director of Erikshjälpen. In the eulogy both titles are used.
Every year, Erikshjälpen Second Hand compiles the advocacy we have had on the environment and people in our business. Now, the report for 2024 has been released, which, among other things, shows in figures what climate benefit has been achieved.
Last year, 10.9 million products were given a new life through Erikshjälpen Second Hand. In terms of sales of clothing to adults alone, the business has achieved savings of more than 9,500 tons of carbon dioxide, over 1 ton of chemicals and over 2.2 billion liters of water. This is equivalent to filling the Globe with water - four times over.
- I Hhe sustainability report we can we can see in black and white what we are accomplish, says Jerker Sandell, Executive Director of Erikshjälpen Second Hand. Together with our donors and customers, we reduce emissions, save resources and create a more sustainable future..
What our second-hand shops do for the planet
Every time someone chooses second hand instead of new, huge amounts of resources are saved.
Erikshjälpen Second Hand's calculations clearly show the difference it makes:
Environmental benefits in figures from the sale of adult clothing in 2024:
- 9 555 000 kg of carbon dioxide emissions were avoided compared to new production - equivalent to 110 aircraft flights around the world.
- 2,287,238,100 liters of water were saved compared to new production - equivalent to the volume of 4 Globes in Stockholm.
- 1 089 000 kg of chemicals were saved compared to new production - equivalent to the weight of 8 adult blue whales.
Profits from the business change children's lives
The profits from Erikshjälpen Second Hand go to work for children around the world. This year, 84 million Swedish kronor (SEK) was distributed to the children's rights organization Erikshjälpen and its partners, which has helped 271,100 children in 89 different projects. Erikshjälpen Second Hand's social interventions in the stores have also supported 4,000 children in Sweden by strengthening parents through job training or internships.
- We would like to extend a warm and heartfelt thank you to all our customers, donors and partners who make our work possible. Together we are creating change - for the climate, for people's lives and for future generations," says Jerker Sandell.
Sara Olsson, one of Sweden's most influential voices in reuse, was today named Sweden’s Second Hand Profile 2025 by Erikshjälpen Second Hand. Sara wants to get more people to understand the problem with fast fashion, but also inspire to discover the joy of second hand.
Sara Olsson is agrew up and lives in Luleå. She has a background has a background as a waste engineer but chose to change career to inspire sustainable lifestyle choices. During her parental leave in 2020, Sara started the Instagram account @HallbaraSara (now more @sara.ohlsons) to share her knowledge of circular economy and recycling, combined with her interest in fashion. The account grew quickly and became a platform where she shows her followers how to make conscious and sustainable choices in everyday life.
- I want to be the inspiration that I was missing i my flow; to highlight the benefits of transition and everything we have to gain from living sustainably," says Sara.
Through her Instagram account, Sara inspires thousands of her followers to live more sustainably.
Through her Instagram account, Sara inspires thousands of her followers to live more sustainably.
Prize money for portable schools in Bangladesh
As part of the award, Sara will receive the right to allocate 25,000 Swedish kronor (SEK) to one of Erikshjälpen's projects. Sara has chosen to donate the prize money to Erikshjälpens project for portable schools in Bangladesh. For the children living on the sand islands in the Jamuna River delta in northern Bangladesh, the effects of the climate crisis are tangible. The incidence of extreme weather has increased and is changing the landscape around the islands flooding and erosion more frequently.No schools have been built here before - who wants to build a school on land that may not exist tomorrow? Therefore, Erikshjälpen supports a project where children on the islands can attend portable schools.
- Bangladesh is one of the countries that contributes the least to climate change while being hit hardest by floods. Every sixth garment on the Swedish market is produced in Bangladesh and textile workers cannot cannot live on their salary," says Sara when asked why she chose this particular project.
With passion and knowledge, Sara gets more people to discover second hand.
Jerker Sandell is the Executive Director of Erikshjälpen Second Hand and he is proud to appoint Sara as this year's second hand profile.
- Sustainability is not just about what we buy, but how we take responsibility for the world around us. Sara connects these issues in an inspiring way, and her choice to support schools in Bangladesh shows her holistic approach. With passion and knowledge, she gets more people to discover second hand, and we hope that the award will inspire even more people to follow her example," says Jerker.
Second Hand Profile of the Year Award
Erikshjälpen Second Hand draws attention to every year a person or organization that through their commitment contributes to an increased interest in second hand and its possibilities. It can be about innovative ideas, creative solutions or smart environmental work through reuse. The winner receives a diploma and a statuette, as well as the right to award one of Erikshjälpen's projects for children's rights equivalent to 25,000 Swedish kronor (SEK).
The award has been presented every year since 2012 and previous winners include Sara Wimmercranz, Gustav Broström and the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation.
Motivation of the jury:
"Through her social media content, she addresses the big issues around consumption, climate and sustainability. She inspires by showing how easy and effective it can be to think sustainably in everyday life. Where others can easily over-consume, she stays down-to-earth and reminds us of the value of caring, reusing and thinking first. Changes in our lifestyle and consumption are crucial for future generations. Thanks to her sustainable thinking in all aspects of life, she empowers those of us who want to create a better future for our children."
Erikshjälpen Second Hand has decided not to sell or accept products from SHEIN in the future. Sustainability Manager Cathrine Kylesten explains the decision.
- We have made the decision based on reports from Greenpeace, as well as the warnings issued by the Swedish Chemicals Agency and the Swedish Consumer Agency regarding garments from direct imports, such as SHEIN, says Cathrine Kylesten, Sustainability Manager at Erikshjälpen Second Hand.
The Sustainability Manager emphasizes that the decision follows the precautionary principle under the Environmental Code, which means that activities should prevent risks to both human health and the environment.
Cathrine Kylesten, Sustainability Manager Erikshjälpen Second Hand.
Cathrine Kylesten, Sustainability Manager Erikshjälpen Second Hand.
Uncertainty about product quality and manufacturing
According to Erikshjälpen, it is difficult to ensure that directly imported products from SHEIN meet European requirements on content and working conditions.
- By avoiding selling products from SHEIN, we at Erikshjälpen Second Hand Hand can maintain our values of sustainability, justice and ethics in consumption, says Cathrine Kylesten.
For platforms, such as AliExpress, Temu and Wish, which also sell products of questionable quality and manufacture, it is more difficult to introduce guidelines, as they operate as multi-brand marketplaces.
What happens to existing products?
Both the products from SHEIN that are already available at Erikshjälpen Second Hand and those that are handed in in the future will be handled as textile waste. In municipalities where textile sorting is not available, it is sorted as combustible.
The decision not to accept or sell products from SHEIN may be reconsidered if the products comply with Swedish legislation in the future.
More information about products received in Erikshjälpen Second Hand stores
Last year, Erikshjälpen Second Hand launched the "Vanliga veckan" concept. A counter-reaction to Black Friday/week/month, which is supposed to drive consumption before the Christmas holidays. During Vanliga veckan , we questioned norms and common thoughts about consumption, as a way to get more people to open their eyes to circular shopping.
We're now in the middle of this year's retail campaign, and our counter-concept is more important than ever. To make second hand the normal way to consume. Because we still wonder how new production can be the norm, when we now know so much better? For many people, it is still unthinkable to buy goods that someone else has used before. Even though it feels luxurious to sleep in a hotel bed with sheets that many others have slept in, or to eat in a restaurant where the fork has seen the inside of an infinite number of mouths.
Christmas is a time when our consumption really reaches its peak for the year. And these days, even the holidays seem to be all about fast trends. Isn't that strange? One year Christmas will be blue, the next year it will be beige, the third year it will be green and the next year it will be red again. We buy new decorations, ornaments, clothes, presents and food as if there were no tomorrow.
Christmas, which could otherwise be such a clear example of what circularity can offer. If we stop buying new and instead reuse Christmas decorations and dresses, we can give our children those shimmering memories of Christmas. A sense of security and nostalgia, built up by having the same Santa in the same place and the same baubles hanging on the tree year after year.
Sometimes it seems that Christmas is mostly about getting a new star to hang in the window, a unique styling of the Christmas tree, an elf door with countless accessories, Christmas calendars with tea, make-up, toys or wine. But haven't we got our priorities wrong somewhere? Aren't the best memories of Christmas our traditions? The ones that remain unchanged year after year?
Of course, there are times when it makes sense to consume something new. But then you have to make the right choice. Buying cheap goods may seem easy and economical, but in the long run it is an expensive and unsustainable choice. Poorer quality products break down faster and need to be replaced more often.
Long-lasting products are more than just a personal investment - they are building blocks of a circular system. They retain their value and live on through the second-hand market, where they can be refurbished, repaired and used again and again. A cheap product that quickly ends up in landfill doesn't have that opportunity. The purchase choices we make today directly determine whether our things can live on in a circular cycle.
Jerker Sandell Managing Director Erikshjälpen Second Hand
Cathrine Kylesten Sustainability Manager Erikshjälpen Second Hand
Jerker Sandell Managing Director Erikshjälpen Second Hand
Cathrine Kylesten Sustainability Manager Erikshjälpen Second Hand
There will always be new consumption, but we need to look beyond it and choose products that can last. By buying fewer but better things, we are laying the foundations for a sustainable economy that can take us into the future. We are creating a market where quality products are given new life, and where second-hand becomes as attractive and accessible as buying new. And when there's a need to replenish the Christmas decoration box, we know that there's no need to produce another Santa. When you choose decorations and gifts from non-profit second-hand, you also make Christmas better for all children.
A concrete action that reduces pressure on the environment and climate, so that future generations can be better off. So let this Christmas be circular, both for the children around you and for those further away.
Author:
Jerker Sandell, Executive Director of Erikshjälpen Second Hand
Cathrine Kylesten, Sustainability Manager for Erikshjälpen Second Hand
On Saturday, October 5, all daily cash registers from Erikshjälpen Second Hand's stores will go to Radiohjälpen's fundraising campaign "Världens Barn". The project that we highlight in this year's campaign is about how portable schools in Bangladesh ensure that children can continue to go to school despite poverty and climate disasters.
Erikshjälpen is contributing to the Världens Barn campaign for the 27th year and has been involved since the start. Last year, the second-hand shops sold for an unimaginable 3,703,294 Swedish kronor (SEK). In addition to donating the daily takings, many of Erikshjälpen Second Hand's 52 shops draw attention to Världens Barn through various activities.
-"In our stores there is always a great commitment to children," says Jerker Sandell, Executive Director of Erikshjälpen Second Hand. "The Världens Barn campaign gives us the opportunity to do even more for children around the world.
The World's Children campaign gives us the opportunity to do even more for children around the world.
Children of the World
Världens Barn, Sweden's largest fundraising campaign for children's right to health, school and security, is carried out in a unique collaboration with Swedish Television, Swedish Radio P4, Erikshjälpen and 13 other aid organizations. Every year, Radiohjälpen grants funds to around thirty projects in as many countries. All organisations involved in the campaign highlight a special project each year.
- Around the world, many millions of children live in insecurity due to war and disasters. Our knowledge, willingness and ability to help them affects the future development more than anything else and defines who we are, says Mattias Ingeson, Erikshjälpen's Secretary-General and Chairman of the Board of the Swedish National Fund for Children.
Mim and her friends are playing in the schoolyard.
Mim and her friends are playing in the schoolyard.
Erikshjälp's focus this year - portable schools
Mim, her parents and five siblings live on one of the many sand islands in the Brahmaputra river delta in Bangladesh. Floods, cyclones and other natural disasters strike the area several times a year, causing great devastation. Landslides and soil erosion make it difficult to build roads and schools. But thanks to the portable school, which Erikshjälpen has established together with its local partner Friendship, children in the area have the opportunity to go to school. Mim and her friends have learned about their rights and how to build up preparedness to cope with natural disasters.
Shop for the world's children
Visit one of our second-hand shops on Saturday, October 5 and shop for the children of the world.
On August 12, 2024, Jerker Sandell took over as the new Executive Director of Erikshjälpen Second Hand. One of Jerker's tasks will be to introduce circular consumption to new customer groups.
Interest in second hand is growing
As head of Erikshjälpen Second Hand , Jerker will be responsible for 51 stores around the country. Erikshjälpen Second Hand is also a business that wants and needs to grow, thanks to the increasing commitment to sustainable consumption.
- Interest in second-hand has grown enormously in the last five years alone. We have broadened our customer group and many younger people have found their way to our stores. Now we will work to ensure that even more people discover how Erikshjälpen not only does good for the wallet and the climate, but also contributes to interventions for children around the world.
Now we will work to ensure that even more people discover how Erikshjälpen not only does good for the wallet and the climate, but also contributes to interventions for children around the world.
Jerker Sandell, Executive Director Erikshjälpen Second Hand
Jerker Sandell, Executive Director Erikshjälpen Second Hand
Focus in the fall
This autumn, Jerker's priority is to get to know his new organization. He emphasizes the importance of getting all employees on board in reaching out to new markets.
- I want to get to know the people who in different ways have a task in our stores and hubs and take part in their story and knowledge. I also look forward to meeting our customers and hearing their thoughts about Erikshjälpen Second Hand.
I look forward to meeting our customers and hearing their thoughts about Erikshjälpen Second Hand.
Listening 