One of the most enjoyable parts of parenting, especially for a mother, is getting to dress the child up in all kinds of outfits, buying the fanciest of toys, and having a house full for her child. Thanks to a rise of thrifting and resale websites, it’s easier than ever to have tons of fun shopping for used goods and sell your hand-me-downs where the wallet—and our planet—will be happier for it.
Kids are easily overwhelmed with the many options of toys they have and soon they tend to outgrow most of them. However, as parents, we often feel obligated to hold onto things, and many a time we think our kids might want them again someday. Whether it’s just something to remind them of their childhood or something they might want to pass on to their child, there are good reasons to hang on to some special items. Kids accumulate so much stuff, and it’s hard to keep up with their rapid growth and the constant changes in interests and favourite toys. However, parents must realise that they must take a minimalist approach to toys, cutting back on the clutter and focusing on quality over quantity. If you’re going to take control of your toy situation, you’re going to have to get rid of some toys. This could be in ways of recycling, donating, reusing, or selling those toys rather than just hoarding them as collectibles.
Going out of the way and pampering kids is all fun until parents end up spending way too much money on unnecessary items the kids need. More often than not, parents realise that they don’t have enough resources left to feed their children because they have ended up spending it on their clothes and toys. Millennial parenting has recently taken to thrifting. Second-hand or children’s consignment shopping is a booming industry right now wherein a lot of parents are seen selling their kid’s items to other parents of young kids. In this way, it’s good for the environment since it not only helps clear the clutter but reduces the usage of plastic and so much more waste that is formed when purchasing new toys.
Thrifting of children’s items is a great way to re-invest in kids themselves. Parents can choose to sell their kid’s items to new parents and use the money to invest in their kid’s education or extracurriculars as they grow. Since this generation of parents also supports brands that support their values and causes, it’s high time we realise the value of thrifting and apply it efficiently by reinvesting. More and more parents are opening up to the concept of second-hand or pre-loved products and affordability is not the only reason behind it. In fact, according to data, the projected growth rate of the preloved market is expected to grow by 15 percent annually over the next five years.
Similarly, when kids outgrow clothes, parents must pass them over to the parents of other kids to not add more to that ever-growing fast fashion industry. Parents must do their best to avoid the landfill at all costs and look at more sustainable options when it comes to buying things for their children. Especially with the high volume of plastics hitting our oceans these days, the very best thing we can bequeath our children is happier, healthier earth.
Recent research indicates that about 73% of consumers across all generations—from Baby Boomers to Gen Z—are now willing to spend more for sustainable products be it household items or when it comes to picking things for their children. With sustainability being the topmost priority, we can help save the environment with the plethora of options that are available at a click of a button today.
It is important to take the first step towards leading a sustainable life and understanding that less is more. Also, if it comes with earning extra cash while saving the environment then it is not such a bad idea after all?
Disclaimer
Views expressed above are the author’s own.
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