Hello and welcome back to the Planet Forward blog on this warm Friday here in Toronto. The summer is nearing its end and back to school is looming in the air with TV and radio ads reminding everyone about school supplies – there is just no escaping what is around the corner (as much as I tried when I was a child).  This can only mean one thing – along with school supplies autumn wardrobes will also need to be updated. If you are looking for an eco-friendly and inexpensive way to do this, then you’ve come to the right place but it requires you to keep an open mind. You can organize a clothes swap which is an event to trade and exchange old clothes with other parents.

Clothes swap image courtesy of radicalmontreal.com

For parents on a budget, this is a great idea. Get a group of parents together with children who range in age and size. Everyone brings a box of freshly laundered, gently used clothes and lays them out on a table. You can trade anything from jeans and t-shirts, to sweaters and coats. Not to mention school accessories – bring that backpack or pencil case that’s in great condition but your child has out grown the character on the front, so someone else’s child can use the product. Even personal accessories like necklaces, bracelets, hats, scarves can be swapped. This is a wonderful way to get some basics and supplement your child’s wardrobe.  Not only will you get some great items, but you have cleared some much needed closet space. If you want to make the most of your pre-school clothing swap, take part in more than one, just use different groups of friends.

However, its not just kids that need new fall clothes on a budget, swaps are great for adults too. A girls’ night in with your friends can open you up to a treasure trove of goodies. Swap purses, shoes, shirts, skirts, pants, dresses…anything and everything in your closet. This will be a fun night of swapping and putting together new outfits. By trading items you might take a chance on something that’s a little different for you.

This is a fun and easy way to update and round out your child’s or your own wardrobe. Not to mention, kids grow so quickly that it’s a waste to keep spending on clothing. So give this a try, you never know what eco-friendly treasures await you.

Happy swapping!

PS: Planet Forward is currently running a 50% off sale on all products including stainless steel water bottles, stainless steel thermal mugs, reusable bags and accessories including bottle bags and waste-free lunch bags – all perfect for back to school. Place your order today so they are all ready for start of school.