7 Simple Ways To Make The Best Out Of Recycling Clothes

Do you know that 12 million tons of clothes end up in landfills each year? Shockingly North America sends 10 out of the 12 million tons to landfills. Yes, Americans and Canadians play a huge role in fattening landfills with textiles and apparel that can be put to better use. Knowing this truth inspires us to take an integral part in recycling clothes and strengthening environmental sustainability initiatives. 

Why you should recycle clothing

I have shared some insight on the importance of sustainability in fashion and the need to change the way we shop in a previous blog. Recycling clothes is part of a global sustainable fashion agenda since it impacts the environment, economy, and living standards. Recycling clothes helps:

• reduce solid waste in landfills
• reduce carbon footprint
• create economic development around the world
• convert waste products into value-added products (upcycling) 

For such reasons, I feel compelled to share this information about one of the most environmentally offensive industries, one that we all love and admire: fashion and apparel. Although this industry helps create millions of jobs and has supported the growth of some developing nations, it has damaged the environment and increased carbot foot print. But there is hope. Most prominent industry brands are leading the development of innovative solutions and ideas to minimize the damage in our beautiful planet.

Simple ideas to recycle your unwanted clothes 

There are seven simple ways to reduce the pile of unwanted clothes in landfills and help clothe impoverished communities, either by donating, selling or re-using garments.

Trade-off

Trading off or exchanging lightly used clothes is a popular trend among fashion influencers to get rid of novelty items they receive from promoters and exchange for something they need. And with the ever-growing online marketing sites, you can find a right home for your clothes such as Poshmark, Bunz and Thredup

Donate

One of the most favourable methods for recycling clothes is donating to charities and thrift shops. When you give clothes, you support local and global citizens since 48% of textiles and used clothes are typically sold to developing countries. I often drop bags of clothes and textiles, including bed sheets and towels at The Salvation Army, Value Village, and local churches. Some charity organizations and shelters welcome donated clothes too. Go there with an open mind and the thought that your items will clothe someone in need. 

Vintage fashion

If you have a hard time parting with bespoke and novelty items of clothing, wear them with new pieces. It is difficult sometimes to throw away high-quality apparel even if they are out of style. I have a hard time letting go of pieces my mother made for me years ago. As well, I cannot part with well-made classical blazers and coats. Instead of abandoning them, I often mix and match older pieces with recent trends or denim pants. You will be making a personal statement pairing vintage and contemporary pieces together. 

sell online

Selling unwanted clothes online is a popular alternative to recycling clothes. There are different ways to sell online: 

• sell directly on sites such as E-bay, Etsy or Social media (Facebook buy and sell groups).
• upload your items on apps such as Poshmark and Thredup and sell directly
• you can sell them via online consignment shops like LXRAndCo, The RealReal, TheUpside, and lovethatbagetc.

Yves Saint Laurent from LXRandCo

Drop them off at H&M

H&M clothes recycling program called the “Garment Collecting Programme” is a global recycling initiative that prevents clothes from ending up in landfills. You simply drop any unwanted clothes in any condition and by any brand to your local store. 100% of the clothes are either marketed globally as second-hand items, reused to make new products, or recycled into textile-fiber. In return, H&M offers vouchers you can redeem online or in-store. 

H&M Sustainable Styles For Fall 2020

Upcycle

Instead of dumping unwanted clothes, you can repurpose, or refashion the material to make something practical for yourself or your home. For example, you can upcycle T-shirts, sweaters, denim pants and skirts for a more trendy look or create new products. Take a look at some original upcycle ideas on Pinterest.

Add new accessories 

Lastly, you may opt for a sustainable option of recycling clothes by making simple alterations on jackets, coats and dresses. By doing so, you restyle and make it look more trendy. For instance, replace the buttons, change the hemline, or work with a seamstress to restyle the sleeves and collar. As a simpler solution, try adding a new belt or accessorize with scarves and jewellery. 

A final thought

Recycling clothes helps sustain our environment by means of reducing landfills and carbon footprint. As well, recycling can support the underprivileged locally and globally as second-hand clothes are the only shopping options they can afford. Therefore, before throwing your unwanted clothes in the dumpster, consider friendly options such as donating to shelter, thrift shops, or community organizations. You can also try to sell them online and at consignment shops to make some money. As well, you can restyle your favourite outdated pieces of clothing by adding new buttons and accessorizing them with new jewellery, belts and scarves. We should all take part in minimizing waste in landfills by reconsidering the way we dispose of clothing and by shopping sustainable apparel.

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