In today's fast-paced world, where fashion trends come and go at the blink of an eye, it's no wonder our closets are bursting with clothes we rarely wear. But before you contemplate adding more to your wardrobe, why not consider giving your current collection a sustainable makeover? Recycling and upcycling your closet not only contribute to reducing textile waste but also give your fashion sense a creative edge. In this guide, we'll walk you through the art of recycling items in your closet, making your wardrobe more eco-friendly, and your style uniquely yours.
Selling.
When it comes to selling your used clothing, a variety of platforms offer convenient avenues to find new homes for your pre-loved wardrobe. Online marketplaces like eBay and Poshmark provide vast reach and enable you to create your own virtual storefronts. If you seek a hassle-free experience, consider platforms like thredUP, which offer to buy your items directly, or local consignment shops that handle the selling process for you. Social media platforms, especially Instagram and Facebook Marketplace, offer user-friendly options for showcasing and selling your clothing within your social circles.
Donating.
When it's time to give your old clothing a new purpose, numerous options are available for donating, including local and close options. Local thrift stores, such as Goodwill or Salvation Army, are classic choices that support community initiatives. Many communities also have clothing donation bins conveniently placed in high-traffic areas. Homeless shelters, women's shelters, and refugee organizations are also grateful recipients of clothing donations, helping those in need directly. Nonprofit organizations like Soles4Souls, Dress for Success, Big Brothers Big Sisters often accept gently used professional attire and children's clothing, respectively, to empower individuals and benefit young lives. At Chasing Change's pop-up events, we actively welcome donations of shoes and clothing for Soles4Souls, presenting an opportunity to seamlessly contribute to meaningful change. Additionally, clothing drives orchestrated by schools, churches, or local community groups hold great potential for impactful involvement. Through any of these avenues, your generous spirit can create lasting positive effects, both on individuals' lives and the broader community.
Recycle responsibly.
Certain items might be too worn-out or damaged to be repurposed. However, these materials can still be recycled responsibly. Look for local textile recycling centers or collection points where you can drop off old clothes, shoes, and accessories. These materials can be turned into insulation, rags, or even new fabrics.
CLOTHING
For Days: Immerse yourself in circular fashion with For Days' Take Back Bag. For a modest fee, you can fill it with clothing or textiles from any label and send it back. Through partnerships with recycling experts, your unwearable items are transformed into practical items like insulation, rugs, or cleaning rags.
Blue Jeans Go Green™: A remarkable initiative by Cotton Incorporated, Blue Jeans Go Green™ is a denim recycling program with a purpose. Backed by denim giants like Levi's, Madewell, and American Eagle, this program encourages you to donate your old jeans, irrespective of the brand. The collected denim undergoes a transformation, becoming valuable housing insulation material. By doing so, this initiative champions eco-friendly practices and significantly contributes to reducing textile waste.
The North Face: Clothes the Loop: The North Face takes an unwavering stance against clothing ending up in landfills. They've introduced collection bins in their retail and outlet stores, offering a responsible way to part with your unwanted apparel and shoes. Gently used pieces embark on a new journey through partnership with Soles4Souls. This nonprofit not only distributes items to those in need but also creates entrepreneurial opportunities by selling donated clothing in developing countries. And for items that can't be reworn, The North Face ensures they're broken down into new fibers, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability.
TerraCycle: While it may be a slightly higher-cost option, TerraCycle's Zero Waste Boxes™ cater to diverse recycling needs. Their fabric and clothing box, in particular, provides comprehensive recycling for your wardrobe cast-offs. Remember to periodically explore their website for opportunities to recycle specific brands' products through TerraCycle, aligning your contribution with responsible practices.
Soles4Souls: A stalwart in charitable efforts, Soles4Souls plays a vital role in providing shoes and clothing to those in need worldwide. Since its establishment in 2006, the organization has been tirelessly collecting and distributing new and gently used items, even during times of disaster. Beyond immediate aid, Soles4Souls fosters sustainable job creation and economic empowerment in developing regions, reflecting its dedication to lasting change.
SHOES
Nike: Take advantage of Nike's commitment to recycling by bringing in old sneakers, regardless of the brand, to your local store. Some select stores even accept athletic tops or bottoms, underscoring their dedication to sustainable practices.
TerraCycle: Beyond clothing, TerraCycle extends its offerings to a Zero Waste Box™ for shoes. The convenience of this service covers a broad spectrum of footwear, from sandals to boots and heels. Notably, partnering brands like Teva collaborate with TerraCycle, offering free recycling options.
GotSneakers?:Engage in a circular economy effortlessly through GotSneakers?. This unique organization not only offers a free clean-out program but also rewards you for each pair of sneakers you send. By recycling usable sneakers and repurposing unwearable or damaged pairs, they contribute to sustainable fashion practices.
UNDERGARMETS
Parade: Aiming for a more sustainable undergarment drawer? Parade takes old underwear from any brand and transforms it into new possibilities, aligning comfort with eco-consciousness.
Knickey: Elevate your sustainability game with Knickey, which accepts old underwear, bras, socks, and tights from any brand. By embracing this initiative, you contribute to a greener future while bidding farewell to your old undergarments.
Hanky Panky: Lingerie takes on a new purpose with Hanky Panky. They've partnered with nonprofit Green Tree to ensure old underwear, bras, or socks from any label find new life as industrial insulation, in turn, preventing post-consumer textiles from reaching landfills.
B.R.A. (Bra Recycling Agency): Take a step toward responsible disposal by sending worn-out bras to B.R.A. They recycle these bras into carpet padding and also dedicate 100% of the proceeds from recycling the metal underwire to support breast cancer research.
I support the Girls: Making a difference has never been easier with "I support the Girls," where you can donate new and used bras to provide comfort and dignity to those in need.
Repurpose your worn-out item.
Some pieces in your closet might have sentimental value, unique features, or are slightly outdated that you can transform into something new. Turn old t-shirts into stylish tote bags, fashion scarves from vintage fabrics, or trendy patches from jeans that have seen better days. The possibilities are endless when you let your creativity flow.
Get your item tailored.
Items that don't fit quite right can often be revamped through simple tailoring. Take ill-fitting pieces to a tailor to get them altered according to your current style and size.
Host a clothing swap.
If you find there are items you still need after recycling and upcycling, consider sustainable swaps. Opt for second-hand shopping or clothing swaps with friends. This way, you're reducing the demand for new clothing production while giving pre-loved items a new home.