I have decided to not purchase new clothing for myself and daughter for the next year, and perhaps beyond...maybe forever if I can.
With the birth of my daughter, I was gratefully given piles and piles of baby clothing. So much that I didn't need to purchase anything for her until she was around eight months or so. I have a few girlfriends that have daughters that are nearing or over the 2 year mark, and they have handed down to me their clothing. I am basically all set until 2T or two years old. Wow!
Buying brand new baby clothing is addicting as it is so adorably cute, especially for little baby girls; everything has ears, or some cute pattern that just pulls at your heart strings. Also, as a new mom, you find yourself at the mall a lot. It's actually funny, because since having a baby, I don't think I have bought myself any new clothes, I really only enjoy shopping for my daughter as its way more fun.
I have decided that I will reuse the clothing I have and only buy clothing second-hand if I need something new. This concept came to me for two reasons, one financially I cannot afford new clothing and second, I watched a CBC mini documentary about fast fashion and what happens to our second hand clothing and why you shouldn't buy them. It struck a chord with me as I was looking for ways to save money and also I am always looking for ways to reuse, recycle and do my little part for mother earth. With the idea of fabrics not breaking down and just filling up not only our landfills but overseas, it seems pointless to continue to add to this immense problem.
Ways I will accomplish my goal:
I will host and attend clothing swaps, they are super fun!
I will gladly take my friends old clothing and repurpose them
I will happily accept all hand-me-downs for my daughter
I will buy from second hand stores
I will swap and sell my own clothing that I don't wear any longer and all of my daughters clothing online ( I belong to many, many, many of these groups!)
I will have a table at baby swap meets (already registered for one in September!)
I will pass on my clothing and daughters to people I know will use them
Wish me luck! Tonight I received a huge garbage bag of clothes that no longer fit my girlfriend moving out of the country. I took on 6 dresses, bathing suits, blouses, tank tops and much more. One persons trash is another's new wardrobe!
