Posted by - Parents balance practicality with values via the circular economy
- When decluttering, parents’ goals are quick selling (37%) and meaningful reuse of preloved items (34%)
SINGAPORE, 9 October 2025 – An overwhelming majority of Singaporean parents (73%) actively try to balance eco-conscious values with the practical demands of busy households, according to a new survey of its parent users by Carousell, leading multi-category classifieds marketplace. This group comprises 18% who state sustainability is a “core value that guides many of their decisions”, and 55% who “actively try to be sustainable when it’s convenient”.
The survey of over 300 parents of children under 12 years old offers insight into the decluttering mindset of the modern family. When getting rid of outgrown items, 37% of parents say they want to get it out of the house quickly and easily. However, they also want to ensure their items went to another family who could use them (34%). Earning money from selling was lower on their list of motivations at 17%.
These motivations are aligned with their methods of decluttering items, with the top three being: 1) using Carousell (86%), 2) Giving to family or friends (73%), and 3) Giving away in community groups (50%). Throwing away items ranked the bottom third of motivations.
Parents’ buying habits reflect more practical mindsets for choosing secondhand items. The survey found that the top motivations for buying secondhand are saving money (37%) and the fact that “the item is for short-term use, so buying new doesn’t make sense” (34%). This correlates with Carousell’s 2025 search data from the “Babies & Kids” category, where searches for age-specific items are common. Top search terms include essentials like “stroller”, “baby cot”, and “car seat”, alongside high-end brands such as “Stokke”, “Doona”, “Bugaboo”, “Nuna”, and “Joie” . This data highlights a key behavior: secondhand shoppers are seeking out trusted, high-quality brands for items their children will quickly outgrow.
Choosing this convenient and sustainable path unlocks significant value for both the wallet and the planet. On the financial front, the survey found that nearly one in four parents (24%) estimate they have over S$1,000 worth of “hidden treasure” in the form of outgrown items in storage. The environmental returns are just as substantial; for example, selling or buying a single secondhand stroller instead of a new one can potentially save 56.1 kg of carbon emissions—roughly the same amount generated by running 259 loads of laundry.
Inspired by these insights, Carousell is launching its inaugural ‘Little Caroupreneur Competition’. The competition offers a fun, hands-on way for parents to teach their children about the value of reuse and the circular economy. It provides a tangible lesson in sustainability, showing kids how their own preloved toys can find a new purpose and bring joy to another child.
Children aged 5-12, with the help of their parents, list a favourite preloved toy and share its unique story on Carousell to stand a chance to win over S$3,000 worth of prizes. Top entrants will win a spot in a fully-sponsored workshop and participate in a live “Show & Tell” finale to be crowned the Little Caroupreneur. Learn more at www.carousell.sg/littlecaroupreneur2025/l/.
About Carousell
Carousell is a multi-category classifieds and recommerce marketplace that makes selling as easy as taking a photo, buying as simple as chatting. Carousell is available in Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan. The Carousell marketplace has a diverse range of products across a variety of categories, including cars, lifestyle, gadgets and fashion accessories. To increase the trust and convenience in buying and selling secondhand, Carousell has launched recommerce programmes such as the Carousell Certified programme that allows users to buy secondhand items that have been inspected, and Sell to Carousell programme that allows users to sell directly to Carousell for instant cash. Download the app for iOS or Android, and visit www.carousell.com for more information.
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