Monday, January 7, 2008

#152 - They Call Me Second-Hand Rose

And Not Just Because I'm An Overbearing Stage Mother Who Pushes Her Daughter into a Life of Debauchery

I've talked before about how buying used clothing is better for the environment. And I continue to buy a goodly portion of both mine and the kids' clothing from second-hand shops. However, to get even eco-friendlier I can take this concept a step further by cutting out the middleman: the store.

The store itself does serve a great purpose and provides a place for people to drop off their old and pick up their new. But in doing so, they consume a decent amount of electricity for lights and heat, as well as create a need for additional retail space. So whenever possible, I am going to graciously accept and happily pass along the kids' clothing.

I already have an AWESOME donor in my friend, Mary and her daughter Kayla. Every time I head north for a visit there is a huge bag of Kayla's outgrown but barely worn clothing for Daphne. Ethan's old clothes go to his little cousin Adam and Daphne's pre-worn items go to one of the moms in my playgroup. No wasted electricity, retail space, or trips to the consignment shop required.


Savings:

Cannot be quantified.


Difficulty Level: 1 out of 5

This is a super-easy change that I've actually been doing for a few months now, I just never got around to posting about it!

2 comments:

Green Bean said...

I was going to post about this later this week. :) Great minds think alike. I pass all my sons' clothes on to a nephew. I'd love to have a circle like you have and inherit stuff from someone else, but, until then, the oldest gets thrift store clothes that make their way down to my youngest. It's a great way to go.

Anonymous said...

I receive A LOT of clothes for Zoie from my neighbor and I am "saving" all of Zoie's clothes in hopes that we will have another child - although inevitabley it will be a boy and will hate wearing pink and purple ;). Also, a fellow new mom sent me a link to http://www.KidsExchange.net/ it is something of a swap meet for your to trade clothes and other children's items - no sure if there is one in your area but something to check out.