Swap Before You Shop challenge! 

Calling all Blue Mountains parents - are you ready to make a difference for our planet while saving money? Join our "Swap Before You Shop" challenge and be part of the solution to reduce waste and avoid unethical consumption. Fast fashion and mass-produced toys contribute to environmental waste, unsafe working conditions, and growing landfills. By swapping, you'll give pre-loved items a second life, reduce your environmental footprint, and help create a more sustainable future for our children!

Before hitting the shops, try these planet-friendly alternatives:

✨ Swap with your community: Join our quarterly Blue Mountains clothes and toy swap where you can refresh your child's wardrobe and toy box while giving pre-loved items a second life. 

✨ Ask friends and family: Create sharing circles with other parents whose children are different ages - perfect for passing along those barely-worn clothes and gently-used toys.

✨ Check local Pay it Forward groups: Join your community freecycle and Pay it Forward groups on Facebook to give and receive freely.

✨ Browse secondhand first: Visit op shops, browse Facebook Marketplace, and head to the garage sales.

✨ Borrow from toy libraries: Borrow before you buy! Check out local street libraries and toy libraries. You can also team up with other families to create your own toy lending system - kids get variety without the waste. 

✨ Buy local and sustainable: If you do need to buy new, try to avoid the big shops wherever possible and support the local and sustainable businesses in the Blue Mountains. 

Let's make "swap before you shop" the new normal. Your wallet, our planet, and our children's future will thank you! 

Join our Challenge and be in with a chance of winning a $150 Biome voucher in our prize draw! All you have to do to be in with a winning chance is sign up to our challenge and swap before you shop as much as possible between now and our next kids’ clothing and toy swap, which is on Saturday 1st March 10am-12pm at Katoomba Lighthouse, 126 Victoria Road, North Katoomba. 

Our swaps are free to attend and family-friendly with refreshments and children’s activities on site. It’s a rewarding morning out! All are welcome at our swaps. Even if you have nothing to swap yet, please come along. We get lots of items and there’s enough for everyone to go home with something new to them. 

Our initiative is more than just an exchange. Our swaps are a chance to join a community of conscious parents who understand that every small action counts. Your children enjoy finding "new-to-them" items, while you help break the cycle of overconsumption. Plus, you'll discover unique pieces, vintage finds, and quality brands at no cost!