Circular Monday: 2023 edition

In a world that is increasingly aware of the environmental impact of our choices, it's no surprise that families are seeking ways to integrate sustainability into their daily lives. One innovative approach gaining momentum is Circular Monday – a day dedicated to circular living and mindful consumption. For parents with kids, Circular Monday provides a unique opportunity to instil eco-friendly habits in their children and contribute to a more sustainable future.

This post is dedicated to Circular Monday! And how can we contribute to the reduction of consumption by buying second-hand or renting. We will also offer creative ways for families to embrace this movement.

SOURCE: https://www.circularmonday.com/

As always, a little bit of Wikipedia first:

Circular Monday is a grassroots movement, database and shopping day for circular consumption. It involves businesses with circular economy business models that sell, rent, share and repair products made out of recycled materials, including second-hand services.

It was founded in 2017 in Malmö, Sweden, by Swedish start-up founder Henning Gillberg, and was initially called White Monday; it changed the name in 2020. It was devised as an antidote to Black Friday, which promotes linear consumption, and takes place on the Monday before Black Friday. By 2019, over 200 businesses were taking part. Participating companies - mainly based in Europe - discount their products to expose circular alternatives to the linear consumption offered by Black Friday and other shopping days.

Check out the official website for more details: https://www.circularmonday.com/

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Stroll In supports a circular economy, and, of course, wants to contribute to the awareness of the alternatives to buying new child gear.

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Physical Second-hand Stores

• Barnens byrå

Children's products (clothes, toys, accessories) second-hand store located outside of Uppsala. This store claims to have carefully selected garments for children.

It doesn't have a website, but you can check its Instagram instead.

• Bye Buy

Second-hand store located in Stockholm, Kungsholmen. This store has a selection of kids' second-hand clothing, accessories, shoes and some toys. The selection is limited, but all the items are of good quality.

You can always check their Instagram to see what is in store.

If you want to bring your child's gear you get a 15-30% return on the items that sell in the shop, depending on the condition and the type of the item, check details on the website.

• Röda Cross Mariatorget

This is a general second-hand store by the Red Cross. What I have noticed there sometimes are brand new H&M clothes for kids with cut labels at a fraction of the price.

• PO.P Second Hand: Used&Loved

This is both an online and physical sale of used kids' PO.P. garments.

If you want to bring your child's gear you get a value check on the items that sell, check the details on the website.

• Stockholms Stadsmission

The NGO-driven organisation also has a chain of second-hand stores which has a selection of kids' clothes shows and toys. Generally, the quality is not so good, but the price is the most affordable.

You can donate your child's gear if you wish.

• LOPPIS

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Online second-hand stores

I found only one online store of children's clothes, the rest are second-hand trading platforms, meaning that there is no guarantee on the delivery itself or delivery time or the quality of the items purchased (unless you purchase extra "insurance"). Some platforms have no set price but offer the bidding process instead, which could be beneficial for the seller, but frustrating for the potential buyer.

• Inikit - an online store that specialises in children's clothing of a good quality&condition.

• Marketplace on Facebook

• Vinted - general second-hand trading platform (apparently, offers the cheapest delivery).

• Tradera - general second-hand trading platform.

• Sellpy - general second-hand trading platform.

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Rental Services

• Parently

Parently probably has the biggest selection of the children's gear to rent. One can find everything from strollers to high chairs, children's furniture and even reusable diapers.

Brands presented are AXKID, BabyDan, BBhugme, Bugaboo, EcoViking, ErgoBaby, Luie, Maxi-Cosi, Minimeis, STÅLHÄSTEN, Thule, TinySeats.

The rental period depends on the product desired to be rented, but, generally, the rental period could be 1, 6, 12, 18 or 24 months. There are some items, however, that can be rented for 1 week - a great option for those who come to visit as tourists and might need extra gear, like a stroller.

• Hyber

Hyber is the children's gear rental service (online or in the Hyber office in Stockholm) offering a wide selection of items to rent:

1. Clothes (PO.P., Isbjörn of Sweden, Tretorn, Reima) ,

2. Prams (Thule, Ergobaby)

3. Kids bikes (Stoy),

4. Car seats (Axkid)

5. and even some basic Maternity clothes (Boob Design).

The rental period depends on the product desired, for example, for clothes it is 1 month, for a pram - 3 months.

• STROLLY

Strolly - is a strollers&prams rental service.

Brands presented in the catalogue: Thule, Babyzen, Twistshake, Junama and Uppababy.

Rental period: 6, 12 or 24 months

• Hygglo

Hygglo is a general rental platform, where, among other items, one can rent (or rent out) children's gear. There is a wide variety of items and brands, as well as the conditions in which they are presented.

The benefit of this platform is that there is no minimum rental duration (one can find items to rent just for 1 day). On the other hand, there is no company guarantee of the quality/maintenance/cleanliness of the items.

Other Ways to Embrace Circular Monday for Parents with Kids:

1. Toy Swap or Trade: Encourage your children to participate in a toy swap or trade with friends or neighbours. This not only reduces the demand for new toys but also fosters a sense of community and sharing among kids. Organize a playdate with other families to exchange toys that your children have outgrown.

2. DIY Crafts from Recyclables: Channel your inner creativity by engaging in do-it-yourself (DIY) crafts using recyclable materials. Turn empty containers into storage bins, create artwork from old magazines, or transform worn-out clothes into new accessories. This activity not only promotes sustainability but also provides quality bonding time for the family.

3. Clothing Exchange Party: Kids grow quickly, and their clothing often ends up in the donation pile. Host a clothing exchange party with fellow parents to swap gently used clothes for different sizes. This way, you can ensure that clothing gets a second life before being discarded.

4. Green Grocery Shopping: Involve your children in a Circular Monday grocery shopping experience. Opt for products with minimal packaging or choose items with eco-friendly packaging. Bring reusable bags and containers to reduce single-use plastic waste. Explain the importance of making mindful choices when it comes to food and its packaging.

5. Upcycled School Supplies: Before heading to the store for new school supplies, explore creative ways to repurpose last year's items. Turn old notebooks into art journals, transform cardboard into personalized book covers, or refurbish worn-out backpacks with fabric scraps. This not only saves money but also teaches kids the value of resourcefulness.

6. Zero-Waste Lunches: Pack your child's lunch in reusable containers and invest in a reusable lunch bag. Encourage them to bring a refillable water bottle instead of purchasing single-use plastic bottles. Talk to them about the impact of single-use plastics on the environment, empowering them to make informed choices.

Circular Monday provides parents with an excellent opportunity to teach their children about sustainable living while making a positive impact on the environment. By incorporating these creative and practical ideas into your family routine, you not only contribute to the circular economy but also instill lifelong values of responsibility and environmental stewardship in your kids. Embrace Circular Monday as a weekly commitment to a more sustainable and mindful way of life.

Do you know more ways to celebrate Circular Monday?

Share in the comments below!