Sustainability Expert Reveals How You Can Shop Sustainably for Your Kids this Summer Break

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Article courtesy of Nova Tomato.

With school officially out for the summer in many states and the break just around the corner in others, many parents are finding themselves updating their children’s wardrobes. But with kids growing out of clothes in what seems like a matter of weeks, and coming home with stained or ripped outfits after a single day of play, replacing their clothes can feel expensive and wasteful.

This is why it’s more important than ever to shop sustainably for your kids this summer. Not only is it better for the environment, but it’s also better for your wallet, making it a win-win.

Lyn Bai, CEO of sustainable print provider NovaTomato, has revealed five top tips for shopping sustainably for your kids this summer without breaking the bank.

1 – Avoid unnecessary purchases

“The best strategy for sustainable shopping costs absolutely nothing,” Lyn says. “Before buying new summer clothes for your kids, check what they already have. Can anything be repaired? Could you pass down items to younger siblings?”

“Avoiding getting swept up in fleeting fashion trends is especially important when shopping for kids, who may only wear certain items a handful of times. Considering how quickly kids can go through clothes, it is important to get every last wear out of them.

2 – Quality over quantity for new items

“If you do buy something new, make sure it’ll last. Check seams and fabric construction carefully, and consider how well the fabric will wash,” Lyn advises. “These small details reveal which garments will last, which is especially important for pieces worn for outdoor play. “

3 – Shop secondhand

Secondhand shopping offers both environmental benefits and serious savings.

“Thrift stores and online resale platforms keep perfectly good clothes in circulation longer,” Lyn points out. “You’ll find unique pieces that nobody else has, all while saving money and keeping items out of landfill. You can often find brand-new pieces at a fraction of their original price, too.”

4 – Wash your clothing correctly

Proper clothing care makes a massive difference to garment lifespan, which is key for busy, messy kids.

“Washing in cold water and line-drying whenever possible can double how long your summer clothes last,” Lyn says. “These simple habits prevent fiber breakdown and slash energy use, while keeping colors bright.”

5 – Support sustainable brands

“Look for companies using recycled materials and transparent manufacturing,” Lyn recommends. “Many affordable kids’ brands now offer sustainable options, so this isn’t just for luxury shoppers.

“Many clothing retailers have also created take-back programs accepting worn-out garments for proper processing.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. throws away roughly 103 pounds of textiles per person each year. Just 15% gets recycled or reused, with the remaining dumped in landfills.

“Our clothing choices have major environmental impacts,” the NovaTomato CEO concludes. “By being more mindful about how we shop, we can all help reduce this waste.”