Sweet Greens

Back to school time is right around the corner, which means back to school clothing shopping is probably at the top of your to-do list. Purchasing a wardrobe for your children doesn’t have to have a huge impact on the environment or your budget. Read on to learn my 1o favorite ways that you can add to your children’s wardrobe and extend the life of their current clothes.

1. Get Thrifty! 
Thrift stores are a great place to do your back to school shopping. Since children usually outgrown clothing before they have the chance to ruin them – you will find a great selection of lightly used clothing. Not only are you helping the planet when you purchase clothing from thrift stores, but many thrift stores are nonprofit organizations that help people in need – meaning your money goes to more than just purchasing clothes.

2. Hand Me Down! 
If you have multiple children, then you most likely are already handing down clothing from the older children to the younger. If you don’t have multiple children consider hand me down items from cousins, other family members and even close friends. If none of these are an option for you, consider hosting a clothing swap with other families from your neighborhood or school. Eben’s school has a gently-used uniform sale at the end of every summer – this is the perfect way to get “new” uniforms with zero impact.

3. Share It!
A great way to extend your wardrobe is by sharing items with family members and friends. Your children may enjoy the idea more when you point out that sharing their wardrobe with their siblings will double or triple their wardrobe options!

4. Wash and Wear!
Instead of throwing your clothes in the wash after a single wearing, check them out first to see if they are really dirty. Wash clothing only when they are dirty and in cold water (which can reduce your energy impact by up to 90 percent). Washing clothing only when they really need it helps you avoid wasting water, energy, money, and your clothes will last longer too!

5. Line Dry!
If possible, hang your clothing out to dry. We don’t have an area where we can hang clothing out to dry, so instead I place our clothes in the dryer for a handful of minutes and then hang them in our laundry room to completely dry. Did you know that line drying extends the life of your clothing too?

6. Give It Back!
There are many companies that will take your clothing items back once they are worn out. For instance, Nike takes any brand of worn out sneakers and recycles them into new sports surfaces including; tennis and basketball courts, running tracks and playgrounds!

7. Donate It!
When you no longer wear a piece of clothing that is still in good condition, donate it to a charitable nonprofit that will give it to someone in need. One of my favorite organizations is DressForSuccess.org , which donates business clothing to women to wear to interviews and work. However, any organization that helps others in need is fantastic!

8. Buy New, Buy Green!
If you absolutely have to purchase new clothing, consider what you are purchasing. Try to choose clothing made with organic fibers, low-impact dyes and recycled materials. You can find an amazing selection of handmade organic clothing on Etsy and many small green clothing companies.

9. Take Care of It!
One of the best ways to ensure that your clothing lasts a long time is to take care of them. If you spill something on a piece of clothing, use an eco-friendly spot remover immediately before the stain sets. If you are planning to do an activity that will possible ruin your clothing, change out of your good clothes into something else.

10. Go Plant Based!
When it comes to laundering your clothing, choose eco-friendly laundry supplies that are plant based, not petroleum based. Plant based cleaners are better for the environment and the health of your family too!

How do you green your children’s back to school shopping?
Do you have tips for extending the life of your clothing?

photo via Monica Arellano-Ongpin

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