Inspired by some BBC articles that made me realise that donating old clothes is not always a good thing, I’m constantly looking for ways I can avoid putting unused or old stuff in charity bags. Here’s a couple of links for anyone who is interested, but I’m no longer convinced that most or any of it goes to a good cause. And I feel guity about all the stuff I have sent, clearing out my wardrobe space only to contribute to the landfill problems in other countries….
Why clothes are so hard to recycle – BBC Future
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-60249712
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-60267424
If I can be sure someone is going to benefit it’s a great option, but unless you have a local association that is direct to the people who are in need I very much doubt most things go to be reused and I believe I’m just contributing to a huge global problem.
I’ve been using Vinted to distribute used clothes (mine and my son’s), keeping things at dirt low cost because the idea is not to make money but to find people who want and need the stuff. It’s working and it’s been a while since I’ve taken a bag to the charity deposit box. I’ve been downsizing over the last couple of years and I’m trying to live as much as possible with essential stuff, and avoid unnecessary purchases. I’ve become so aware of how little I make the most of my existing wardrobe and how new purchases really endanger the appreciation of previous ones. So I really try to justify everything I chose to add.
Doing the projects below has helped me to stay aware of what happens to old clothes and means I’m careful about thoughtlessly inviting more into my house, knowing what will become of them if they don’t have a real purpose to me.
10 Ideas to avoid having to dump stuff
The question is, how can the old, unuseable / unwanted clothes become something you can keep using? Avoiding landfill for as long as possible?
So here’s some upcycling and recycling ways I’ve been using to avoid putting things in that bag:
- Boot fillers
- Hair curling rod + scrunchies
- Draught excluders
- Door stops
- Cushion fillers
- Washable fabric shopping bags
- Cleaning cloths
- Rag Rugs
- Gift bags
- Shoe/pump bags
Also see my Denim Diary – where I’m collecting my past and present projects using pre-loved denim from jeans no longer used.
Hair Curling Rods
Check out you tube videos for using hair curling rods and towelling robe belts for curling hair.
It really works!
I used my towelling robe belt for a while til I got tired of losing it around the house. Instead of buying a rod, I put to use a bit of old fabric and a lot of scraps and waste fabric (I cut up old worn (and washed) socks and used this as stuffing as well as another other fabric that was of no use). Works great and looks good too with the matching scrunchies!
