The Little Green Look

There is no age to choose to dress in second hand and preserve the planet.   But then where to find beautiful second-hand clothes if you do not have a second-hand shop at home? I have selected 5 sites on which you should find beautiful choices for the kiddos!

ETSY

In addition to its selection of all kinds of handmade items, Etsy offers thousands of second-hand clothes on its site. Again, just check the vintage option in the filters of your search to see appear overall, vintage shirts, etc.

THREDUP

thredUP is an extensive virtual marketplace, it has earned the title of the world’s largest online thrift and consignment store.

SWAP

consigns clothes for men, women and children, as well as toys, books, and various outdoor and home items. Like ThredUp, you send in a box of stuff, Swap.com prices it, and you get a cut of the profit.

October 31st is around the corner and you have yet to find a costume for you kids. More than that, because you understand the importance of saving money and sustainability. You are ready to explore other alternatives. Here some tips:

USE WHAT YOU HAVE   Get creative with your kid’s closet. You’ll most likely find leftovers from past Halloweens (Old Dino = New dragon) or turn their regular clothes into costumes (stripes= Thief). Goodwill’s website has a special page devoted to Halloween.

BUY USED: Shoppers should also turn to thrift stores like Goodwill, which offers both used and new Halloween costumes. There are great online stores such as: Thredup.com, Swap.com, poshmark.com, and ebay.com

DO IT YOURSELF: Get ideas from Pinterest or Etsy, or go to the online sites of Jo-Ann’s and Michael’s for ideas.

TRADE WITH FRIENDS: Ask around to see if any of your friends would like to do a costume swap for Halloween.

The Salvation Army is worldwide recognized as a charitable organization that preaches the gospel of Jesus while helping others without discrimination. when either you donate or buy, your contribution are used to fund Rehabilitation Centers. I have been able to find unique pieces in thrift stores throughout the years.  Goodwill is excellent for furniture, and Salvation Army for kid's clothing. Both stores have daily specials based in the tag colors, but Salvation Army offers 50% OFF the entire store on Wednesdays. Be prepared for the long lines at the check out :). Here are my latest finds in my last trip to The Salvation Army Store:

Kids Garments: 3 bottom up shirts (cotton) 2 pair of shoes 1 Onesie (for Halloween costume) 1 pair of socks

Total:  $9.94

In recent years there has been a change in consumer trends towards more sustainable and intelligent models. The trend of the collaborative economy has helped us to leave behind old cliches on the purchase of a second-hand item, and this mindset-change allows us to have a feeling of pride in getting the best opportunities.

Everyone who has children knows the amount of clothing that is accumulated. The babies and children grow very fast, the clothes are too small with few uses and drawers' cabinets are filled quickly. Here some tips to buy in secondhand stores:

Go early in the morning, especially after the weekend.

Think about what you need before entering the store and look for that garment in the first place. For example: jeans, go straight to that section and focus there.

Do not go crazy for the prices. Take a deep breath and buy what you're really going to use.

Buy quality brands

Check the garment everywhere. Look at the seams, if you see that they have threads or are ripped, you better not take a chance. Pay close attention to stains, learn to differentiate those that will come out of the oil wash, which will never leave.

When you get back home, put everything in the washing machine to remove the dust and the smell (except what the label indicates dry cleaning). Remember that these clothes were long stored and may have mites.

If you are allergic to dust or chemical killers, take your precautions.

In our society, it is very common for clothing to be discarded as soon as a stain, hole or slight damage occurs. There is also the "fast fashion" phenomenon of mass production and consumption that increases at the same rate at which trends are undergoing modifications.

But it turns out that clothes can also be recycled, adding distinctive details that will renew our wardrobe at a very low cost. The creative possibilities are numerous, and the savings will also suit your pocket.

Why is it important to recycle clothes?

Our Planet!!

Practically, all the clothes we wear have been made with cotton fibers, wool, silk or so-called synthetic fibers.

The first three are of natural origin. The artificial or synthetic fibers are obtained through chemical processes derived from petroleum.

Yes, of that fossil fuel so polluting that it continues to contribute to raising the global temperature of the planet.

In the manufacturing process chemical processes harmful to the environment are involved, because dyes, coatings and mercerization processes are also used.

That is why it is very important to reuse the clothes that can be removed from the closet or buying secondhand, because in this way we are contributing to reduce the impact on the environment. Not to mention the amount of savings in electricity and water also involved in making clothes in factories.

How can we help?

Accessorizing your forgotten outfits

Buying from Secondhand stores and websites

Donating or trading with friends and community events

Reusing

Buying from environmentally conscious companies

Advantages:

Saving money

Improving your creativity potential

Reuse Promoting

Reduction in the use of fertilizers and chemicals

Reduction of water discharge