If you’re a parent, you’ll know how quickly kids can grow. Sometimes it feels like you can’t keep up with the growth spurts when it comes to buying new clothes. However organised you are, there always seems to be something that slips through the net and isn’t worn.
We’re very lucky because we’ve been given a lot of our children’s clothes which is one of the benefits of being the last one of my friends and family to have kids.
I love that some of my girls’ favourite outfits were worn by their big cousins too. That’s why I love this photo because of the clothes our youngest is wearing as they’re over 10 years old. The outfit originally belonged to my eldest niece who’s now 19 (that makes me feel really old!!). It was then passed on to my youngest niece, then my eldest daughter, and now my youngest.
In a world of fast fashion where we’re encouraged to buy all of the latest trends each season, even for young kids, I’m very proud that most of the clothes my girls wear belonged to other kids before them.
When I was a kid, wearing second-hand clothes had a stigma attached to it so I’m pleased the tide is changing on that.
I’m very grateful to my big sis, best friend, and our neighbour who have all passed on clothes. The clothes bring back memories for everyone and it’s lovely to see the treasured pieces having a new lease of life.
Eco-friendly clothing
But perhaps the most important aspect of hand-me-down clothes is the benefit to the environment. The fast fashion industry is one of the biggest consumers of water and is believed to be responsible for around 10% of global carbon emissions. That’s more than all maritime shipping and international flights combined.
Fast fashion copies catwalk styles and involves quick design, production, distribution and marketing of clothing which is delivered to consumers at a low price. Analysis and research carried out shows the devastating environmental impact this type of fashion has from drying up water sources to polluting rivers and streams.
And because the industry has a quick turn-around of pieces that aren’t necessarily created to last, a large percentage of it ends up in landfill.
So, what’s the alternative?
There isn’t a quick fix, but changing the way we buy clothes is where it starts. Buying quality items that will last reduces the volume of waste.
KiDSiE
One company that is offering a different buying option is KiDSiE. They are a premium outlet for top-quality children’s clothing and toys at discounted prices because they are either ex-display, end-of-line, returns, clearance, and gently used products.
Everything is in great condition saving you money, and keeping clothes and products out of landfill. They’ve partnered with leading brands and High Street names to create positive change in the way we buy that is kinder to the environment.
KiDSiE believes that sustainability and affordability can go hand-in-hand which helps us to build a better future for our children. They’re on a mission to make parenting easier, more affordable, and sustainable for everyone.
Head over to the KiDSiE’s website and if you spot some things you love, make sure you use my code WMAW10 which gives you a 10% discount. I get paid a fee if you buy, but that’s not why I’m telling you about them. I’m part of the KiDSiE collaborative as I love the ethos behind the company and am passionate about finding ways we can all shop in a more sustainable way.
Head to the Eco-Friendly Changes section to get more tips and advice about living in a more sustainable way.
