THIS week’s Otley 2030 column about the small and simple changes we can make to reduce our carbon footprint and save money too.

Affordable school uniforms which don’t cost the earth

The School Uniform Bill (Guidance about Costs of School Uniforms, The Education Act 2021) proposed by Mike Amesbury MP for Weaver Vale, became law in May 2021. It was the culmination of a seven-year campaign from The Children’s Society to cut the cost of school uniforms and they interviewed thousands of parents and young people who had experienced financial and psychological discrimination because they were unable to afford branded uniform or had been excluded from school for wearing the wrong blazer.

Less branding

This year, UK Schools have received statutory guidance from the Government, and advice from The Children’s Society on how to minimise branded items on the new school uniform list. This will increase affordability by identifying which items of uniform can be bought independently (and more cheaply) on the high street. Schools have also received information on how they, and their PTAs, can set up pre-loved uniform exchanges, sale days and social media events.

By Autumn 2022 all schools need to adhere to the new guidance and inform parents and students. Many schools, both primary and secondary, in Otley and Ilkley have had second-hand uniform sales/swaps for years, which also raise funds for the school. Less waste and more funding – the best solution! If your school doesn’t have one, Zero Waste Leeds has a friendly guide on how to set one up. https://www.zerowasteleeds.org.uk/pipeline/school-uniform/

Recycle, re-use - no waste

Zero Waste Leeds are committed to collaborating with communities to find ways of reducing waste, helping the planet and creating jobs with the aim of achieving a ‘no waste’ target for Leeds by 2030.

With a whopping £6.4 million being spent on school uniform in Leeds last year, it makes sense for uniforms to be re-used as much as possible to save money, and avoid plastic and textile waste.

Uniform Exchanges

‘Leeds School Uniform Exchange’ is on Facebook and has over 1,000 members. There are now more than 80 school uniform schemes in Leeds, most of them set up recently. If your school, or PTA is having a school uniform sale, why not advertise it here?

If you only make one change this week, contact your school about its re-used School Uniform Scheme, or join Leeds School Uniform Exchange on Facebook.

Find out more about Otley 2030, go to www.otley2030.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram: @otley2030