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According to the National Retail Federation’s 2010 Consumer Intentions and Actions Back to School survey, clothing purchases by American families on new items such as jeans, shirts, and shoes, are expected to average $225.47 per child, the single largest back-to-school expense for the year.

The question is: Do our children really need all of this clothing and does it all need to be new, or have we set an expectation that puts unnecessary pressure on our families’ budgets and on the environment?

Sure, I remember wanting the latest and greatest when I started school; there’s just something about starting fresh.  But, trends have changed. Today, kids and parents alike are less concerned about completely new, are often fine with “new to me”, and have become more aware of the negative impact that clothing production and waste can have on the earth.

With the phenoma of children’s clothing swaps and the recent emergence of sites like thredUP, LoobaLee, and Bebaroo, children’s clothing upcycling – in the forms of exchange/trade, resale, and rental respectively – has become a common way for parents to spend less and get more.  Interestingly, these efforts to save money are also eco-friendly.

What are my top 5 tips for saving money and the planet this back to school season?

1. Check your child’s closet and see what still fits and looks well cared-for; replace too-small and worn-out items with ones that your child will be proud to wear to school.
2. Organize a clothing swap with other parents from your child’s school – or, if you think the children will be concerned about wearing their older classmates’ hand-me-downs, look for a regional swaps that will help make the source more anonymous (and probably broaden the available selection).
3. Try a web-based children’s clothing exchange, resale, or rental service, such as the ones mentioned above.
4. Entertain your teen’s unique style at the local thrift store.
5. Take care of your children’s clothing so it lasts longer.

Happy BTS shopping!

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