How To Build an Eco-Friendly Kids' Closet
It’s Earth Month, and we’re looking for ways to show the planet some love—and your kids’ closet is an easy place to start!
Creating a sustainable, eco-friendly closet for your kids is all about reducing waste, choosing quality over quantity, and supporting companies take steps to reduce their environmental impact. As kids grow quickly, their clothing needs constantly change, making it essential to build a wardrobe that is as sustainable as it is functional.
Here’s how to build an eco-friendly kids' closet that works for your kids and the planet:
1. Start with Quality, Not Quantity
Kids grow fast, but that doesn’t mean their clothes need to wear out quickly. When choosing clothing for your little ones, focus on quality over quantity. Opt for durable fabrics that can withstand constant washing and play. Materials like organic cotton, hemp, or bamboo are great eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fabrics.
2. Choose Secondhand Clothing
One of the easiest and most effective ways to make your kids’ closet more eco-friendly is by shopping secondhand. Thrift stores, online marketplaces, and local resale and consignment shops are filled with gently used kids’ clothes that still have plenty of life left in them. By purchasing secondhand, you reduce the demand for new textiles and help keep perfectly good clothes out of landfills.
3. Buy Versatile Pieces to Create a Capsule Wardrobe
A capsule wardrobe is a collection of a limited number of versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create various outfits. For kids, this can mean having a few staple items—such as pants, shirts, dresses, and outerwear—that can be paired in different ways. Not only does this reduce clutter, but it also makes getting dressed easier each morning! Pro tip: be mindful of the color palette of your kids' existing clothing to avoid buying clothing that won’t go with what you already own.
4. Look for Eco-Friendly Brands
Many clothing brands are now prioritizing sustainability in their manufacturing processes. Look for brands that use organic or recycled materials and take steps to reduce their carbon footprint and use of natural resources.
Need inspiration? Check out Bounce Mkt’s Sustainable Brand Spotlight, a collection of pre-loved clothing from kids’ fashion brands that have a proven commitment to reducing their environmental footprint.
Another great resource is Good On You for comprehensive ratings of fashion brands in terms of their impact on the planet, people, and animals.
5. Care for Clothes to Make Them Last
The way you care for your child’s clothing plays a big role in its lifespan. Proper washing, drying, and storing can extend the life of garments, reducing the need to replace them. Follow care instructions carefully, avoid washing clothes in hot water, and air-dry clothes to prevent shrinking and fading. Choose eco-friendly laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and stain removers that are biodegradable and free from harmful chemicals. You can also teach your kids to take care of their clothes and encourage them to mend small tears instead of tossing items that are damaged.
6. Avoid Fast Fashion Brands
Fast fashion has a huge environmental impact. Mass-producing cheap clothes that are made to be worn only a few times before being discarded leads to a huge waste of resources and contributes to global emissions. When shopping for your kids, avoid trendy, cheap clothes that are made to fall apart quickly.
7. Give Clothes a New Life
When your kids outgrow their clothes, don’t just throw them away. There are many ways to recycle or upcycle old clothing, turning them into something new. You can resell or donate gently used items, repurpose them into cleaning rags, or even turn old shirts into bags, quilts, or toys. If you’re crafty, you could sew old clothes into something your child can wear again or pass them on to a local artist who uses repurposed materials.
Need to find a new home for your kids' outgrown clothing? We can help. Learn more about selling with Bounce Mkt.
8. Educate Your Kids on Sustainability
Finally, educate your kids about the importance of sustainability, including when it comes to their clothing. Teach them to appreciate their clothes and care for them properly. Explain how their choices can impact the environment. By instilling these values early on, they’ll be more likely to make mindful decisions as they grow.
In Conclusion:
Building an eco-friendly kids’ closet doesn’t require a complete overhaul—it’s about making smarter, more conscious choices over time. Whether you’re shopping secondhand, choosing eco-friendly fabrics, or embracing the power of hand-me-downs, you’re contributing to a more sustainable future for your children and the planet. It’s a win-win for both your kids and the environment!