While everyone is scrambling to buy all those supplies and items to make the best of back to school, many more have been turning to a more sustainable approach to this frenzied season. Ecostyle is becoming more fashionable and easy to attain with the advent of websites like Ecorazzi and Ecouterre. Clothing swaps are making “green” the new black and allowing everyone to access a great “vintage” look for little or no cost. Moms are organizing clothing parties for children’s wear of all sizes. This is especially great for accessories and babies clothes that are too small before they even get a chance to wear them. With the advent of apps like Closet Swap it is easy to find used clothing locations or areas where parties are occurring.
With a sewing machines and some creativity you can re-purpose any clothing items into new styles for the fall. Pick clothes with unique patterns and lots of material like old house dresses and large size shirts. You can even make home decor items like pillows from these often discarded items. Challenge your teens to come with you to the thrift store or yard sale to pick out the patterns and colors they like.
Don’t forget to add some cheap pieces of costume jewelry for quirky accents. A little bling takes your outfit to a new level.
Not sure your kids will get on board. Encourage frugality with a little reward. Calculate the savings from re-purposing and reusing. Then put that into a vacation fund for the family. A trip to your favorite vacation location like Disney will get the everyone working. The kids may come up with more ideas to save and see that fund grow quickly.
Not sure where to start, visit websites like Frugally Sustainable or check out eco apps like one small act or shirt scan. Please share your ideas or web finds in the comment section below. Together we can make a green difference!
