Have you ever received unwanted clothes during the holiday season — an ugly Christmas sweater from your grandma, perhaps? Or, are you trying to clean out your closet for the new year? If so, don’t throw your clothes away! VALLEY has some suggestions to help you sustainably part with your unwanted clothing.
According to Martina Igini, over 92 million tons of clothing items are sent to landfills each year. Instead of adding to this drastic number, here are three alternatives that VALLEY suggests:
1. Donate Your Clothes
Donation centers are a great way to get rid of unwanted clothing items. Most big cities in the United States have a Goodwill or Salvation Army where you can take your clothes. Places like Plato’s Closet will even pay you to donate your clothes! If you decide to donate, make sure that your items are properly cleaned and in good condition before you go.
2. Sell Your Clothes Online
Reselling your clothes is a great way to sustainably get rid of them without throwing them away. It is also a good way to make some extra cash. Some popular online selling platforms include eBay, Poshmark, Depop and Facebook Marketplace. To sell clothes on these platforms, you must first make an account. To be a successful seller, make sure that your clothes are clean and wrinkle-free before you take pictures of them, and that you have good lighting. You could even try placing a white sheet behind your clothes as a backdrop for the photos! To stand out, make sure you write an effective listing and don’t forget to include the brand and the size. If you have a smoke or pet-free home, feel free to add that on your listing too. Many people look for these things when purchasing used clothing online.
3. Repurpose Your Clothing
If you’re not quite ready to part ways with your clothes, consider repurposing them to make something new and exciting. For example, you could cut up an old t-shirt to make a stylish headband or even use old jeans to make a denim mini dress. Check out below for some inspiration:
As you begin to replace your old clothes, consider the impact of buying from fast fashion companies like Shein and H&M. VALLEY encourages everyone to be mindful about their fashion choices. Try to buy new pieces that you can wear many times instead of just a few. Try shopping secondhand and look for clothing made from recycled or sustainable materials, such as cotton or Tencel. Choosing sustainable and ethically made products can help reduce the extensive amount of textile waste our world has today.
Be sure to tag us @VALLEYMag on Instagram with your new fashion creations!
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