Save money '“ and the earth '“ at East Renfrewshire school uniform sale

But a social enterprise is aiming to provide school children in East Renfrewshire with school uniforms that don’t cost the earth.

Glasgow-based ApparelXchange CIC is launching its services at a retail unit in Shawlands Arcade, with a four-day mega sale of low-cost quality pre-worn school uniform.

To celebrate the launch, ApparelXchange, which is dedicated to sustainable clothing and the re-use of school uniforms, will be selling all pre-worn uniform stock at £2.50 or less per item.

The launch event will take place this Friday, July 27, at noon, when the mega sale will officially start.

Patrick Harvie MSP, co-convenor of the Scottish Green Party, is due to attend Friday’s launch to show his support and commitment to this social enterprise.

Patrick said: “The Parliament’s education committee recently published a report calling on schools to ‘poverty-proof’ their uniform policies, so that pupils from low-income families aren’t forced to choose between feeding their children or buying them the clothing required.

“Clearly, if more parents were encouraged to pass on uniform once their kids have grown out of it, that would keep costs down and help the environment too.

“So it’s great to see a parent-powered social enterprise like ApparelXchange set out to show that second-hand needn’t be second-best, and I wish them well with their upcoming uniform sales.”

The sales will continue on Saturday, July 28, and Friday, August 3, and Saturday, August 4, at 124 Kilmarnock Road, Shawlands Arcade, between noon and 5pm on the Fridays, and 10am and 1pm on the Saturdays.

Izzie Eriksen, founding director, said: “School uniforms have a huge impact on the environment causing the same pollution as fashion.

“Plus it is a big expense each year for families. I was inspired to do something about it when my children started school and saw the potential to work with schools across Glasgow and Scotland to really change the way we use clothing for the better.

“There are so many benefits and young people are acutely aware of the impact of industry and consumerism on the planet and society.

“Our work empowers young people and families to make different choices about what to wear.

“We are really excited about developing our relationships further with schools, establishing our volunteer programme and becoming a household name.

We look forward to meeting many parents and carers at the sales over the summer, just in time for children returning to school.”

ApparelXchange, with the help of several primary and secondary schools, have diverted over 2100 garments from landfill and saved nearly 6 eqCO2t of carbon emissions through reuse and recycling.

This is equivalent to saving energy to make 113,208 cups of tea or taking three cars off the road for a year.

Most of the uniform is pre-worn, but fast growing kids means it is in nearly new condition. It has all been sorted and washed to ensure it meets quality expectations.

Stock, both pre-worn and new, ranges from summer dresses to blazers, and is suitable for ages three to 16.