A uniform reuse initiative has been launched by four waste authorities in the capital.

Led by the East London, North London, West London and Western Riverside waste authorities, the School Uniform Reuse Network aims to support families and schools by limiting uniform waste.

Backed by funding from London Councils, a cross-party group representing councils in the capital, the scheme seeks to encourage sustainability and help families cut costs through initiatives such as swap shops and pre-loved uniform sales at schools.

To assist the practical implementation of the network, schools will have access to a website that provides resources such as case studies and ‘how-to’ guides that detail how to introduce and monitor reuse schemes.

The network has a broader goal of helping to reduce the environmental impact associated with clothing waste, as well as guiding schools in the preparation for new legislation that will necessitate the promotion of second-hand uniforms.

According to London Councils, the uniform scheme could also help to dispel stigma that can exist around second-hand clothing.

Vice Chair of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee, Cllr Rezina Chowdhury, said: ‘School uniforms often have a shorter lifespan than they should, despite the resources and cost involved in producing them. By helping schools to make it easier for families to pass uniforms on and buy them second-hand, this new network can reduce waste while also easing the financial pressures many households face.’

Cllr Chowdhury added that increasing the visibility and accessibility of reuse will help to ‘make second-hand uniforms the standard across London’.