How Parents Can Support a Greener Future Through Sustainable Kids Fashion

We all want to do our bit to create a brighter future for our children, and most families are working hard on their lifestyles to make the changes needed and set a good example for their kids. We’re busy recycling, eating less meat, turning lights off, and taking our own bags to the supermarket. Well Saturday 22 April is Earth Day, where we have an opportunity to reflect and take action on how we can invest in our planet, so have you considered sustainable children’s fashion?

How is fashion affecting our planet?

The textile industry is becoming the fifth largest contributor to global carbon emissions. According to Planet Ark, Australia is a world-leading consumer of raw materials and the second-largest consumer of textiles globally. The average Australian purchases around 27kg of new fashion and textiles each year. Around 93% of this is thrown away every year and only 7% is recycled.

Can you believe that children grow 7 sizes in their first 2 years! Inevitably, this causes a huge amount of waste per child, and that’s without the tossing of tomato and carrot stained t-shirts and holey leggings! So considering this, we think looking into sustainable fashion habits for the children is a good place to start if you’re looking to create a greener future.

Sustainable kids clothing and fashion

So what actually is “Sustainable Children's Clothing” you ask? It is clothing that has been thought about. Clothing that is made from fabric that is grown and manufactured responsibly. Clothing that does its best not to add to pollution. An awesome article in Unsustainable Magazine lists Australia's top 11 sustainable fashion brands. Do you already shop here? Or are these totally new brands to you?

Changing your habits

Sometimes, it’s not where we shop, it’s how we shop. There are a few things you can do to create more sustainable habits and make better choices when it comes to your children’s clothes. Here’s some ideas:

Wear OVER 30 times… Wear them 50 times!!!
Check the tags and materials - be more aware of what materials are sustainable and check the labels
Invest in trans-seasonal clothes - this will help you reach 50 wears!
Invest in gender neutral clothes - this makes it easier to pass onto a second child or donate to friends and family
Look after your clothes so they last longer - I know, try telling a 4 year old this! But we must try!
Learn how to repair clothing yourself - or find someone who can (your mum)
Go for quality over quantity - easier said than done I know
Donate your unwanted clothes - the second hand kids market is HUGE!

Second hand kids clothing

If you’re really looking to reduce your consumption and contribution to the textile industry, then another great way to get involved is via the secondhand market. Traditionally this way of shopping wasn’t particularly glamorous. However, with the growth of e-commerce, social media and climate change pressures, second hand clothes have become the new CHANEL in some social circles.

There is a whole market of ‘pre-loved’ children’s clothes, with easy swapping, online purchasing, simple postage and packaging instructions and often an option for donating unwanted clothes… for money! Here is a handy little list of Australia's top second-hand kids clothing stores:

But wait there’s more!

Hey, want to save the planet and your wallet at the same time? Our new Sassybae app lets you swap your kid's toys and all their other stuff (such as books, accessories, equipment and more)! It's like a giant game of pass the parcel, except you're not just getting rid of unwanted items, you're helping to reduce plastic waste too. Plus, think of all the money you'll save by not having to buy new toys every week! It's a win-win for the planet and your pocket. So let's get swapping, shall we?

Benson Tait

Design . Digital . Fathering . Husbanding . Surviving . Founder

A man who loves design, technology, food and his family of two young girls and a smart gorgeous wife, who is on a mission to make parenting easier and help kids flourish for a happier home.

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