While clearing your closet is very important, it’s also necessary to be socially responsible. The Out of Chaos team and I make every effort to ensure unwanted clothing items have a second life in some form. When dealing with clothes, what sustainable choices can you make?
Don’t Throw Unwanted Clothing in the Garbage
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised to know how many clothes end up in the landfill. According to a recent CBC News article, residents throw out 19 kilograms (42 pounds) of textiles every year. Metro Vancouver is currently considering banning clothing and textiles from landfills. Instead, offer unwanted clothing to friends and family. Have a clothing swap party, or donate them to a charity.
Give Unwanted Clothing to a Reputable Charity
We see the donation bins for unwanted clothing all over the place. But did you know that many for-profit organizations ship and resell items to developing nations? This in turn can hurt local industries in developing countries.
Luckily, there are lots of local organizations that collect your items and sell them at thrift stores with proceeds to charity. But, if these organizations can’t sell the clothes, they are often sold to for-profit textile recycling companies to become things like insulation and carpet padding. Be sure to do your homework when you pick your organization.
Buy Items You Love and Will Keep for Years
Unfortunately, we seem to live in a society of disposable clothing. More than ever before, we buy cheap items from overseas factories and wear them until we’re either tired of them or they’re no longer in style.
Save the environment by spending money on high quality products that will last. Support ecologically conscious manufacturers and ethical brands. Purchase clothing pieces that you can wear for many years.
When shopping, look for classic garments with good construction. (Note: expensive, doesn’t necessarily mean high quality) Get items tailored so they fill well and you feel great in them. Plus, learn to repair your good clothes, like sewing on a button or simple stitching, so you can extend their lives.
It’s time we shift our thinking and consider clothing an investment.
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Image by Rose McAvoy from Pixabay
