Reuse Day in Bodø

Norlandia Kindergartens and Viking show how a simple solution can create more community and less differences in kindergarten.

A table filled with Viking products to be donated for reuse.

Reuse and identical playsuits give children more equal opportunities for play

At Norlandia Stadionparken Kindergarten in Bodø, all children have received identical playsuits. It is not just about clothes – but about giving all children equal opportunities to participate in outdoor play, regardless of background and finances.

A new evaluation among both employees and parents shows a clear effect: more outdoor time, fewer differences and high support for the initiative.

Clear findings in the survey

The initiative is part of a collaboration between Norlandia Kindergartens and Viking. The survey shows that it has had a measurable effect on both the children's everyday lives and the parents' security:

89% of employees believe that the initiative reduces social differences.
83% say that all children can now participate in outdoor play regardless of the weather.
56% experience that the children are outside longer each day.
61% say that their well-being and participation in outdoor activities have increased.
81% of parents find it reassuring that their children have the same quality of outdoor clothing.
89% say that the environmental benefits of reusing are more important than buying new

Kindergarten employee during interview about Reuse Day.

– "At Norlandia, we have a common focus on being supportive of the children and giving them equal opportunities on their own terms. The collaboration with Viking has helped to strengthen this focus," says Vebjørn Olsen, general manager of Norlandia Stadionparken.

Identical playsuits even out differences

In many kindergartens, unequal access to clothing and equipment can create differences between children. Some can participate in play in all kinds of weather – others cannot. In Norlandia Stadionparken, the difference has been significantly reduced.

The staff report fewer situations where children have to go inside or end play because they do not have good enough outdoor clothing.

– “We see that this has evened out differences. Now we can be outside all day, and we know that all the children stay warm and dry,” says Ida Kristin Iversen, kindergarten teacher.

Reuse that works in practice

The playsuits are not used for just one season. When a suit becomes too small, a new child gets to use it. This gives the clothes a longer life and reduces the need to purchase.

89 percent of parents say that the environmental benefits of reusing playsuits are more important than buying new. Many also highlight the safety that all children is provided with the same quality and functionality

Image of kids wearing winter playsuits from Viking.

– “This is a great initiative – both for the environment and for the wallet,” says Emilia Efstathiou, parent in kindergarten.

A collaboration with impact

Viking Footwear has been making clothes and shoes for Nordic weather for over 100 years. For the company, the collaboration with Norlandia Kindergartens is about more than just products – it is about creating a framework that makes everyday life easier for children, parents and employees.

Tonje Ree Taraldsvik from Viking Footwear photographed in connection with the Reuse Day project.

– “It is inspiring to see how initiatives like this can help reduce differences and give children equal opportunities to discover the world outdoors,” says Tonje Ree Taraldsvik, Business Developer at Viking.

Facts about the project

Collaboration between Viking Footwear and Norlandia Stadionparken
Started in 2024
All children have received spring and winter suits from Viking
The clothes are reused from child to child
The survey includes 18 employees and 94 parents
The results show more outdoor time, reduced differences and great support from both employees and parents