Regular wardrobe cleaning can seem like a challenging task. However, if you want to keep your wardrobe from becoming too disorganized or messy, it is vital to develop this essential habit. During the process of de-cluttering, you will likely come across many clothes that are unsuitable to be worn. At times, the first thing that comes to your mind will be about what do with these unwanted clothes.
Do you know that tonnes of unwanted clothing are thrown away every year? When it comes to clothing, the demand for purchase and that of clothing disposal has dramatically increased. If not done properly, disposal of clothes can bring significant environmental impact. Many think to donate or resell or to recycle clothes as it can help reduce waste, preserve responsibly, and extend the life of clothes. Read this post for some clever solutions and tips for getting rid of your used clothes.
Donating clothing is one of the easiest ways for textile recycling. If your old clothes are in good condition, reselling your old stuff online is an excellent option.
But if your old, comfortable t-shirts have holes in them or are too stained or too worn out, you will not be able to donate it. What can be done with your unwanted clothes that are not able to donate or resell anymore? Luckily, it can still be put to good use. Here are some options to consider. Let’s check out.
7 Creative Ways to Recycle Old Clothes
So, how can we recycle old clothes?
- Submit it to a Apparel Recycling Programs
You can find many companies that offer recycling programs for clothes. They make it easy to transform trash into treasure - either for immediate reuse or to be upcycled into something entirely unique.
- Upcycle into Something Entirely New
Wonder what to do with the accumulating fabric scraps. The options are endless. You can upcycle those into something new and unique through crafting or sewing project. You can turn your ripped jeans into trendy denim shorts or can turn old socks into puppets. If you have old shirts, you can transform that into reusable dust cloths. From face mask carrying pouch, cord keeper, gift card holder, fabric ball, to stuffed fabric letters, you can recreate new pieces from your damaged clothes. Do not throw away usable fabric and use those bits and pieces into a unique, one of kind pieces.
- Rent your Clothes
Apparel rental services are a great option to reduce overconsumption of clothes. Apart from extending the life of clothes, renting clothes provide easier access to garments that might have been otherwise unavailable. Moreover, it encourages people to buy less often.
- Plan a Clothing Exchange
Planning a clothing exchange or swaps is another affordable option for recycling clothes that are no longer needed. It is a great opportunity to trade for something new and exciting.
- Compost your Clothing
Composting is done not with food or even garden waste. Often, certain garment materials can be put in your compost bin. Anything that contains dyes and harsh materials is not compostable. As buttons, zips, and labels won't biodegrade, make sure to remove those if you are planning to go down the compost method. However, most clothes can be recycled. So, make sure to try this option as a last resort only.
- Give it to an Animal Shelter
Old sweaters, T-shirts, towels, and other old fabric and textiles can be donated for the animals. These old clothes are used to create comfortable and warm bedding for animals.
- Ask your Local Authority About Textile Collections
Investigate whether your local authority collects clothes and textiles to be recycled.
Hope, you have found these tips helpful.
So, next time when you are de-cluttering your wardrobe, try some of these tips to dispose of old clothes responsibly and safely. Also make sure to play your part in supporting the planet by buying less and buying better and thus contributing to a cleaner world!