How Important Is Organic Kids' Clothing?

on April 15, 2009 at 1:06 PM

You can teach your tot about recycling, composting, and other earth-friendly activities, but how far do you go to create a totally green kid? Is it important to you that your child wear only organic, sustainable clothing?

I ask because I was intrigued by some new kids' sneakers by Morgan & Milo on Lil Sugar. They are super cute and I was tempted to pull out the credit card -- until I saw the price tag. $48 smackaroos.

I know a lot of eco-conscious moms who can't -- or won't -- spend that much on toddler shoes that will just be outgrown in a few months time.

I spent a little time surfing the shop-osphere, and stumbled upon a lot of great sites for sustainable toddler clothes -- Happy Green Bee was one I especially loved, because of the cute styles in stretchy, comfortable fabrics. But, alas, that's a place for the likes of Jennifer Garner and Katie Holmes, but not me.

What is your position on organic kids' clothing? How high does it rank on your green priority list? And if you know of any cheap organic toddler clothing stores, please pass it on ...

About the author Cynthia Dermody

is The Stir's Managing Editor who has trophies in her home for her skills at the Irish Jig. She makes cupcakes with as many fattening ingredients as possible, doesn't comb her hair for months at a time, and was probably a faerie in a former life.

Filed Under: clothes, green guide

Comments (5)

aurorabunny

on Apr 15, 2009 at 2:00 PM

Nice if you're rich but I can't afford it.

The best way to be green about your kids clothing is to buy second hand! Even if you're buying organic childrens clothing it still requires new materials to be used...so technically buying second hand is even MORE green. :)

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Pollymom

on Apr 15, 2009 at 2:11 PM

I agree with above....probably at least 85% of my son's clothing is secondhand. Honestly, to look at him on a daily basis, you can't tell his clothes are used. I only buy new clothing if it's a special occasion or if it's an extremely good sale item. There are just too many good clothing items in thrift stores or consignment shops to pass up.

Becca0220

on Apr 15, 2009 at 2:40 PM

I definitely agree, I did not buy a single article of clothing for my daughter until after she had her 2nd birthday, after that I tried out the consignment shops...some were ok but found one in my home town that is a peach..now I look at clothing prices and shiver. Eco friendly clothes for children have a crazy price tag..I want to help..but can't and won't do that..I agree second hand is the way to go.

ainamama

on Apr 15, 2009 at 3:43 PM

i think it IS tha important...conventional cotton uses more pseticides THAN ANY OTHER CROP!polluting our soil,water...causing serious illness etc!i actually make organic cotton products,and also try to buy other's products as much as possible(as well as frequentling our local community exchange center where we give away stuff we don't need and take what we do).for those that say they cannot afford eco clothing,i suggest that you write to companies that you do buy form and encourage them to offer eco alternatives.the more demand there is the more the cost goes down.

Nonmember comment from Diana

on Jun 10, 2009 at 12:39 AM

Yes! I agree with all the comments here - buying used is great! And buying new organic clothing when you can't find what you need used is the next best thing! Conventional clothing (especially for kids) is full of pesticides and often (more often than we realize!) comes from sweatshops. You asked for ideas about stores that sell affordable organic clothing. Our store works hard to find closeouts and offers great deals on organic clothing for kids (0-12). We have a gently used section (with used organic clothing for the whole family), an organic outlet, and we also have $5 flat rate shipping - check us out at www.HannasDream.com. We are completely family owned and operated and love what we do. :-)