In the UK, every week, around 11 million items of clothing end up in landfill, which has a huge impact on the environment. There are lots of ways to reduce this waste, especially if what you are throwing away is still perfectly functional or just in need of some TLC. Here are some of my tips for how to prolong the life of your clothes and what to do with those you no longer want or aren’t usable.
Caring for your clothes
The first way to be sustainable is to look after and wear what you have. There are a number of ways to prolong the life of your clothes. Simple changes will make a big difference to your personal sustainability.
Got a hole in something that you really love wearing? Many small holes in clothing are fixable. Not nifty with a needle and thread? There are ways to fix your clothes without sewing them. What you need to fix your clothes can be found in your local supermarket. There are tutorials online for how to fix clothes with minimal intervention. Maybe if you pick up a needle, you’ll discover a new passion for sewing.
Looking after your clothes properly also makes them more sustainable. Washing an item on a 40-degree wash when it only needs 30 degrees will reduce its longevity. By reducing the heat of the wash, you will be being more eco-friendly anyway.
What to do with those clothes that you don’t want or need anymore
We all have a wardrobe clear out from time to time and there are a number of different things you can do with your clothes to make your consumption more sustainable.
Donating your old clothes
Due to the war in Ukraine, more people want to donate their old clothes. Clothing donations are hard to process in an active war-zone due to the sorting, cleaning and processing requirements. Please check if your local collection point is accepting clothing and, if they are, what they can accept. Most charities sending clothes to Ukraine are asking for only:
- Warm coats
- Thermal clothing
- Baby and children’s clothes
Looking to donate other clothing? Take it to your local charity shop or high street shop with a charity donation point. TKMaxx take donations of good quality clothing and accessories for Cancer Research UK and M&S accepts donations for Oxfam UK.
Are your clothes no longer wearable? You can take them to high street recycling projects where they will be turned into new garments.
Selling your unwanted clothes online
Depop, eBay and Vinted are all brilliant apps for selling your unwanted clothes. Upload a photo of your clothes and name your price. You will be giving an item the opportunity to be worn and used, while you make some extra money.
Clothes swapping
Often, you can find clothes swaps. Take some clothes down to the clothes swap and take some other items away with you. Not a clothing swap nearby? Why not organise a swap with your friends? Keep an eye out on Eventbrite and other places like Facebook and Instagram for clothes swap events near you.