Learning Whilst Wearing a Sustainable Future. (3 min read)

So here's the story about why I have decided to start a sustainable children's outerwear apparel business. It started with Covid-19 lockdown this year. This was when I realised how fragile my sole trader Forest School business was on it's own. All work stopped and there seemed to be doubt as to when it would pick up again. In short, I had to adapt or sink. Luckily, Siobhan and I took the bull by the horns and re-started Forest School as soon as we could and put on a six week holiday club. By this time I had already started to formulate a plan to hold hands with Forest School. I decided that clothing was an ideal partner, initially because I felt that I knew the problems children at Forest School have with clothing and felt I could solve these by producing clothing that was purposeful for their age and the activities they got involved in while outside.

This initial idea developed during 'lock down’, a time when like a lot of people, I was suddenly presented with new problems and lots of time to solve them. I really want to take the opportunity to teach the children who would wear these clothes about sustainability. I wanted to achieve this while they were playing, enjoying themselves outside when they had no idea that they were learning - the best way children learn. In order to do this I will need the clothes to carry a message that children and adults can understand about how we can all do better in terms of sustainability. When I started to do my research and learnt that fashion is a 3 trillion dollar industry that is the third most polluting in the world; this seemed a good place to start making a difference, however small. By sending a message to educate and inform children, the trustees of our future planet, this small difference becomes a powerful tool to safeguard their future and their children's future. This message will only reach children if parents are motivated to be a little better and choose to buy them for their children. There are an ever growing group of parents who want to know the answers to questions about their child's clothes like: What material has been used? Is it 100% natural? Is it recyclable? Who made it? Were they paid fairly? Can I pass this on to another child? Will it last? Can I send it back and get it repaired so it will last longer? There are also parents who may be starting to learn more about looking at brands a little closer and would welcome more information about how to make a better choice for themselves and their children. I think it is our responsibility to model to children how to show humility, love, respect, kindness and empathy for others and for the planet that we all share.

I wanted to use the knowledge I have from playing out with children at Forest School and earlier in my career as a teacher to make clothes that are not only meaningful in terms of sustainability but also are purposeful. In essence I want children and parents to say that these clothes work, they do what they say on the tin. I can use the 15 years that I have spent listening to children’s voices and observing how they play outside. I understand that you can’t swim against the tide and stop a young child from climbing so their clothes need to be tough so they don’t rip. Children like and deserve to feel comfortable and feel good in their clothes so they need to fit well and be soft against their skin. They need to be the right colour, children are usually quite specific about what colour they would choose, this is important to children. As well as this, what do parents want? My initial guess would be; clothes that are dry and warm, durable, easy to wash and dry, stand-out so children can spot their own clothes so they don’t get lost, when the clothes are covered in mud you can take them off easily revealing a clean(ish) dry child, happy that they have been playing out all day. 

Again, I am convinced that discrete learning can take place through clothes. For example, some of the first milestones in a child’s learning, when they first go to school, will be skills around getting dressed and undressed on their own. Children need time to practice these skills so it makes sense for parents to buy clothes that are designed for children to teach themselves over time. For example, fastenings that are age appropriate and a design that allows easy to get on and off in a hurry. Remember when you are playing you are totally engrossed and focused so clothes need to be up to the task.

These are a few of my core values that are shaping the foundation of my business but what do you think? I said I wanted to take my followers and subscribers along with me on this journey because the products are for you. I want to make clothes that you and your child want, that are meaningful and purposeful for you otherwise there is no point. They have to make a difference to your life and your child’s life.

I believe that you can educate children through buying an item of clothing that has an honest and simple message about how we can all do a little better or as many experts in sustainable fashion say 'a little less bad'. I have mentioned in previous blogs the ability that children have to teach themselves, all they need is for you as a parent to model this and lead by example and children will follow, it doesn't involve anything more than you choosing to be a little bit better.

Let me know what your thoughts are by dropping me a message on any of my social media platforms, text me, WhatsApp or leave a comment below, whatever your preference is. I am really interested in finding out what you think about sustainability, buying clothes for your children, what do you wish for when choosing their playing out clothes? 

Next week I will be sharing some information about the clothing industry and how bad it is for the planet that we all should know about. Until then, have a great weekend.

Sally x