Buy recycled kids clothes and help save the planet

Q: My kids keep growing and I’m always buying new clothes for them!

How can I save some money and make it less harmful to the planet?

A: Children’s clothing is an area of ​​enormous expense – and environmental impact.

It can be tempting to choose something cheap, fast fashion for your kids.

But cheap, throwaway clothing is an environmental disaster. In Britain alone, about 300,000 tons of clothing are burned or buried in landfills annually.

One of the best pieces of advice for your little ones is to try and buy less but go for quality, durable pieces.

The longer a piece of clothing is worn, the less damage it does to the environment. Here are some more tips…

Shop smarter by buying second-hand.

You can find real deals.

Oxfam has a great online children’s clothing store.

Founded by a mother of four, Sweet Pee Preloved Clothing is an online outlet offering high street and designer children’s clothing at a fraction of their original retail prices.

Also watch out for Katie’s Kids Cloth or Second Snuggle.

And don’t forget to sell any items that are still in proper condition or donate them to your school PTFA.

If you want to buy new, look for responsible brands that put sustainability at the center of their business.

Froggy makes delightful clothing from organic cotton, which is a much better fit for the natural world than standard cotton.

Another wonderful organic brand is Toby Tiger, which makes pleasurable clothes for babies and toddlers.

John Lewis Swedish Polarn O. Porte range, known for its enduring credibility and vibrant retro styling.

It’s now possible to dress your little ones in clothes that grow with them.

Founded by an aeronautical engineer, Petit Ple offers a unique line of hardwearing, water-repellent clothing for babies, toddlers and toddlers – made from cleverly folded fabrics you’ll pull over over time .

You can also lease a dress from the company for £5 per month.

Ingenious footwear designers from British brand Pip & Henry are currently designing a children’s shoe that can grow up to a size and a half.

Hopefully it should be available next year.

One way to make clothing last longer – and reduce its environmental impact – is to properly care for it.

Wash clothes only if you really have to.

Clothes can often just be spot-cleaned, saving on the laundry pile.

When you do wash, try to do it at 30C or lower.