What does buying used kids' clothes save the environment?
You cannot put an exact number on every single purchase, but the principle is simple: clothes that are used for longer make it possible to skip some new production.
You cannot put an exact number on every single purchase, but the principle is simple: clothes that are used for longer make it possible to skip some new production.
Raw materials and water
Textiles are made from materials such as cotton and synthetic fibres, which require farming, water or oil to produce. When clothes are worn again, resources already used are put to better use.
Energy and chemicals
Dyeing, weaving and finishing clothes use energy and chemicals. A used item has already been through every step and does not need to be produced again.
Waste and transport
Clothes that are passed on do not become waste early. Buying locally can also replace a new product that has been shipped a long way.
Your practical checklist
What does buying used kids' clothes save the environment?
- Wear clothes for as long as they last
- Buy used before buying new
- Pass clothes on instead of binning them
These are practical suggestions. Always follow the garment's care label and the manufacturer's instructions. For donations and textile waste, check the recipient's current guidance and your local collection rules.