From Swaps to Secondhand: Seven Ideas for a Sustainable Closet
According to the EPA, U.S landfills received 11.2 million tons of textiles in 2017. Together, we can reduce that number by shopping with the environment in mind and keeping clothes we no longer want out of the trash. Read our tips below to discover how to green your wardrobe. The earth, and your wallet, will thank you!
1. Shop Smart
It might be tempting to purchase that trendy $11 shirt, but how long will it last before it wears out? You’ll save money in the long run by choosing classic, well-made items that will stay in rotation for years or even decades. If you do a little research, you can also support companies that use eco-friendly materials like organic cotton or linen.
2. Shop Secondhand
Of course, you don’t always need to buy new! In addition to prolonging the life of items that would otherwise end up in the landfill, thrift shopping helps to lower the overall demand for new clothing to be produced, reducing the strain on our natural resources. You can try popular sites like ThredUp or Poshmark, but we also recommend supporting local businesses in your area. Many have shifted to online sales during the pandemic. If you do go in person, make sure to review their safety policies, limit your time indoors, and follow local public health guidelines.
3. Donate or Sell Your Used Items
When you sort through your closet, set aside any gently-used items to donate to charity. If you’re in need of cash, you can also sell them to a consignment shop or vintage seller. After all, one person’s trash is another’s treasure! Not sure what to give away? Try this: place all your hangers in one direction. Each time you wear a piece, turn the hanger the other way. Very quickly, you will see what you wear and what you don't.
4. Host a Socially Distanced Clothing Swap
Exchanging clothes with friends or family can be such a fun experience. Take photos of what you’ll contribute to the mix and share them ahead of time, or host a viewing party on Zoom (quarantine cocktails optional). Then, depending on distance, drop items off curbside or send them through the mail with a fun note.
5. Upcycle Heavily Worn Items
You might have some items that have been worn so many times you know just by looking at them that no friend, charity, or consignment shop will accept them, but that doesn’t mean you have to throw them away. You can transform old shirts into cleaning rags, cut patches for a quilt, or turn socks into puppets. If your garments are still somewhat wearable, get creative and transform them. Denim pants can become shorts, or you can try turning that midi skirt into a mini. Never underestimate the power of a pair of scissors, a needle, and thread!
6. Sew, Don’t Throw
We’ve been there before…sometimes, a tiny hole or rip can cause you to throw an entire outfit away. Just retrain yourself to think differently! With all this extra time at home, why not learn to fix your own clothing? And if that’s not up your alley, you can find a seamstress, or even a shoe repair shop, to help. With a little research, it’s easy to make items last.
7. Mix, Match, and Reimagine
If you’re simply bored of what you already own, there’s no shame in channeling your inner wardrobe artist. Pull out those skirts, shirts, sweaters, and pants and create something totally new. Sometimes, different combinations are all you need to love your clothes all over again.