Children are amazing – we all know that. But one of the most amazing things about them is how quickly they pick things up at a young age. Learning to move, speak, write… So why not teach them about sustainability too?
Millions of adults understand the threat our wasteful consumer lifestyle poses to the planet, but kids are quickly catching on too. That’s why more and more of them are looking for sustainable clothing alternatives to fast fashion.
We’re going to take a look at several ways parents can invest in sustainable kids’ clothes, from the materials used to where they are produced and who makes them.
We’ll also reveal how Swoperz is more than just the perfect marketplace for quality pre-loved clothes; it’s the foundation for an ethical, sustainable way to consume.
Certified organic cotton clothing and other sustainable materials
One of the best ways to support sustainable kids clothing is to buy quality items made from certified organic cotton. It’s a soft, eco-friendly material that is suitable for everyone from a baby to the elderly.
Organic cotton is also kinder to the planet, as it uses less water, while certified organic cotton does not rely on pesticides and harmful chemicals or fertilisers, which has lots of benefits.
First, this sustainable fabric minimises soil pollution wherever the cotton is grown. Second, reduced exposure for farmers cuts their risk of developing cancer, as well as experiencing respiratory, hormonal or skin issues.
Hemp and linen are also great materials for sustainable kids’ clothing. They use little water or energy to produce, are soft, super comfy fabrics for kids’ clothing and they’re amazing recycled materials.
There’s also a growing market for children’s clothes made from recycled materials, such as recycled plastic bottles or fabrics, boosting their sustainability.
Ethical benefits of sustainable clothes
Fast fashion churns out clothes at a rate of 1.92 million tonnes per year, with just a fraction recycled.
The environmental impact of all these clothes is bad enough, but in many cases, the working conditions for employees in this mammoth industry are not pleasant.
The sustainable kids clothing industry is working hard to change this. Many ethical producers strive to pay their employees a living wage and give them decent working conditions.
Ethical clothes producers also take more care with their environmental impact, preferring to use plastic free packaging, and often support the local communities where they are based.
These are the main reasons why eco-friendly, sustainable kids clothing can cost a little more but more and more consumers agree that it’s worth the extra expense.
The boom in pre-loved kids’ clothes
Choosing ethical, sustainable kids clothing that’s new is all very well and good, but what happens when they outgrow their wardrobe, or they grow tired of that lovely organic cotton t-shirt?
There’s always been a market for pre-loved, second-hand clothes, from jumble sales to online sites selling everything from socks and skirts to trendy footwear and accessories.
Apart from reducing the impact of fast fashion on the environment, parents love clothes from the second-hand sector because it’s a great way to kit out their children without costing a fortune.
Revolutionising the pre-loved kids’ clothes market
All of which is good news for parents and the planet. But what about that next generation of consumers? When it comes to choosing sustainable clothing, where do children fit in?
That’s where we come in.
Our online clothes marketplace is unique: it empowers children aged six to 16 to make style choices that are eco friendly.
If they are fans of clothes that have bright colours, love to wear jeans or want to add to their collection of coats: there’s something for them on our platform.
Our secure site enables children to post images of quality clothing they want to swap with another user. Only children are allowed to do the clothes swapping – parents take care of all the paperwork!
Creating a new generation of sustainable clothes shoppers
The mission behind Swoperz isn’t just to empower children to find their own sense of style, it’s about helping them see there’s a sustainable clothing alternative to the High Street.
For every swap, children earn digital credits that can be spent on clothing within our website ecosystem. As well as teaching them that kids’ clothes can be pre-loved and awesome, it also helps them better understand sustainability and how to manage a budget in a fun way.
Our aim is that as they grow up, the children using our website will make sustainable clothing a firm favourite, and become part of a new generation of ethical shoppers – for life.
How does Swoperz work?
You have to sign up to use our platform. Grownups can get the ball rolling and add their kids to their account, or children can sign up and ask for approval from their parents or guardians.
Our company stands up for security: grownups must verify their own and all the kids’ identities, and approve any actions and payments. They can also buy tokens for their child to use on the site.
Once you’re up and running, to swap your clothing just take a photo, get a parent or guardian to verify the details and upload it to the Swoperz site. Grownups deal with all payments and shipping.
Got any questions? Find answers to our FAQs here.
Sign up and start your sustainable fashion journey
It takes just a few clicks to ditch fast fashion, embrace eco-friendly, sustainable clothes for children and help protect the Earth.
Click here if you’re a grownup. If you’re a kid, click here.