EasyJet, a budget airline, has launched a program to repurpose thousands of retired crew uniforms into school uniforms for families facing financial challenges. Teaming up with Luton-based charity Level Trust, the initiative aims to assist children living in poverty in the town by transforming old pilot and cabin crew outfits into shirts, skirts, blazers, jackets, and trousers.
These recycled garments will be distributed through the charity’s Uniform Exchange to older students. The endeavor comes as a survey revealed that 58% of parents feel the strain of escalating school uniform costs, with an average annual expenditure of £256 per child, amounting to over £3,072 throughout their education. Notably, 34% of parents admitted to sacrificing essential household items to manage these expenses.
Furthermore, the survey highlighted that 19% of parents resorted to overdrafts and credit cards to cover uniform costs, with 53% having to purchase new items before the first term ended. Michael Brown, the director of cabin services at easyJet, emphasized the importance of the uniform recycling program in supporting struggling parents and reducing textile waste.
The study also revealed that a significant majority of parents advocate for government-backed initiatives like the uniform exchange to aid families. Many parents expressed willingness to consider second-hand or upcycled uniforms to save money and favored increased flexibility and repurposing of materials in school uniforms. The Level Trust charity praised easyJet’s contribution, emphasizing the positive impact on families and children in need.