The earth is a finite resource - Guest Blog by Ali of Hoola Kids Preloved Clothing

Having a child can have a significant impact on the planet, both in terms of the resources it consumes and the waste it produces. As a mother (of 4), I often think about the world my children are growing up in, what will it be like for their children and their children’s children.

There is so much information, noise, new reporting, investigative coverage on what is going on with the Planet. It’s hard to keep up, work out what’s important, what impact can you as an individual have. In fact it’s overwhelming and can end up with us paralysed due to so much information which in turn leads to feelings of guilt and us taking no action at all.

It’s been said many times; every little helps, so let’s not hang around waiting for Governments to sign treaties and get on with adopting new small habits and making cultural impacts that are within our influence to change the way we treat the planet and its resources.

For me one of the easiest things to do is choose Preloved Clothing for my children. It directly lessens the impact of having a child on the Planet and its resources and teaches our children about reuse. Culturally it starts real conversations about over consumption and the way that single use for clothes have become normal.

Choosing Preloved not only prevents items going to landfill but also saves the water, electricity and other resources required for making new items. Plus it’s so easy to do, previously you had to wait for a bag of hand me downs from a friend, or neighbour (which unless you were lucky, weren’t really your style) or venture into charity shops, now you can head online to a selection of marketplaces and small businesses or have a google or search social media to see if you are lucky enough to live local to a Preloved Children’s Clothes shop where you will always be able to find a great selection.

I’ll leave you with this final thought and I think Mother Teresa said it best “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love”

Ali

You can find Ali at www.hoolakids.co.uk or on her amazing Instagram page here. What Ali does is pretty special. She has a passion for sharing her love for preloved clothing with as many people as possible and has recently opened her own Kids Pre Loved Store in Glasgow (here's the address if you fancy a wee visit - I’d highly recommend it). The shop is gorgeous, upmarket and full of hidden treasures for your little ones, from newborn to child sizes. Ali also runs regular events on Instagram, showcasing all of the new products available, offering you a personalised shopping service from the comfort of your own home.

I’ve committed to making more changes in how I buy for my own son and I love that with what Ali does at Hoola Kids, I don’t feel like I miss out on anything new and shiny; in fact, it opens up more doors to get even better quality clothing and footwear for a fraction of the price you would pay new. Yes to do this!