Whether you’re looking for more sustainable fashion choices or keen to save pennies, buying secondhand for your kids is a savvy choice. If you’re new to the idea and need a bit of convincing, here are 6 reasons why switching to secondhand is a really good idea.
1. Reduce your carbon footprint
Research shows the fashion industry was responsible for 2.1 billion metric tons of greenhouse-gas emissions in 2018, which is about 4 percent of the global total.
Buying pre-owned clothes keep items out of landfill, it also displaces carbons needed to produce new clothes. When you buy one pre-owned item you save water, minimise waste, and can reduce its carbon footprint by 82%.
2. Keep it circular
Did you know, the UK alone sends approximately 13 million items of clothing to landfill each week, and the average lifecycle of a garment is estimated at 2 years before its tossed. What the frock!
What happens when it gets to landfill?
Natural fibers like wool and cotton biodegrade in approx 6–12 months. Synthetics take a bit longer. Some can take 100+ years to decompose.
Choosing second-hand for your kiddos means you’ll be extending the lifecycle of these cute duds and keeping them out of landfill.
3. You’ll never pay full price
It’s no secret that children come with a hefty price tag. They grow quickly and they need a lot of kit. If you’re looking to budget, buying kids’ secondhand clothes is a great way to pinch some pennies.
The majority of children’s pre-owned items are still in excellent nick because, surprisingly, they’re rarely worn. They also come with generous discounts. At Kidswear resale site Wunder Duds, you will find preloved items selling up to 80% off their regular retail value. It’s a win for your wallet.
4. Hunt for treasures
Take your kids on a secondhand treasure hunt! Encourage them to develop a unique style of their own. Discover clothing that matches their personality and not just a passing trend. It’s great for self-esteem and self-expression. At the same time, you’ll be inspiring them to develop environmentally and socially conscious shopping habits.
5. Fight fast fashion
There are many reasons why buying secondhand is a smart choice but this is a key motivator. Not only has the fast fashion business created a wasteful culture, but the cheaply produced clothing also reflects the exploitation of the garment workers in less developed countries. Many work long hours in return for poor working wages. Frequent use of child labour, unsafe working conditions, lack of workers’ rights, all for a salary that falls short of a basic living wage needed to support a family.
Alongside human suffering, there is also the environmental damage the fashion industry contributes towards. The industry is heavily criticised for its unsustainable use of water, land, fuels, and energy, along with manufacturing processes associated with toxic chemicals, extreme waste, and pollution. The global emissions for textile production alone are equivalent to 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2 every year. That’s a bigger carbon footprint than all international flights and shipping combined.
6. Support the change makers
The fashion industry has a lot of work to do, but it can’t be done alone. We all need to do our share. When you’re looking to update your kids’ wardrobe, consider supporting emerging, sustainable makers with conscious production ethics and climate positive attitudes.
Alternatively, try out the growing range of secondhand resale sites or hit the charity stores. It’s never been easier to get your hands on pre-owned kids’ clothes that are still in excellent nick.
Wunder Duds is one UK online marketplace that makes it easy-peasy for families to buy and sell preowned kids’ clothing. With zero seller fees, its purpose is to help families sell their children’s outgrown kit so they can earn a few quid to reinvest into buying the next size up. It’s also a great way to reduce unnecessary waste and keep clothing circulating. If you are looking to sell, you can choose between listing it yourself, or if you’re strapped for time you can send your items to Wunder Duds and they will upload your clothes for you. On the marketplace, you will find labels like Veja, Stella McCartney Kids, Bobo Choses, and UK high street brands such as The Little White Company and Boden.
