Increase the life of baby and children’s clothes

The environmental impact during the life cycle of most clothing is a concern. Many clothes have a short life span, particularly baby clothes which are sometimes only used for a matter of months. These clothes often end up in landfill. Synthetic materials are primarily made from petro chemicals which are a non renewable resource. They also do not biodegrade and so will stay in the environment. Even the manufacture of natural materials often have a significant environmental impact for example the use of pesticides for growing cotton and the energy used to make them. Natural fibres also breakdown in landfill and produce methane a powerful green house gas.

About 80% of carbon emissions from conventional clothes come from their materials, manufacturing and transportation. So it makes sense that if you use clothes for longer, the carbon emissions of the clothes are reduced year by year. It also makes sense to buy clothes that have been manufactured with minimal environmental impact.

Here are some ways that you can increase the life span and reduce the environmental impact of your baby’s and children’s clothes:

• Buy quality clothes that will last made of organic and sustainable materials
• Wash and dry clothes carefully so that they last longer
• Mend and repair clothes where possible
• Hand clothes down from one child to another where possible
• Avoid the use of a tumble dryer and line dry instead - this is less damaging to clothes and the environment.
• Sell clothes second hand, swap them or donate them to charity
• For clothes that are unwearable, recycle them as dusters or dolls clothes