Recycling Clothes

Recycling textiles and clothes is not only frugal but also a great way to save the environment. Many people throw away their old clothes every year and most of them ultimately end up in a landfill, where they remain hundreds of years before disintegrating. Some fabrics turn out to be toxic and have adverse effects on the environment. Almost all clothes can be easily recycled or reused after making some minor changes.

Here are a few tips for recycling clothes:

Making some minor design changes to old clothes can make them trendy, fashionable and reusable. Pass them on to family members who may use them if the size doesn’t fit you anymore.
Buying recycled clothes from consignment or thrift stores may have a small environmental impact but it does prevent clothes from going into the waste stream yet again.
Selling clothes on online e-commerce websites is a great way to create a bidding war on some old and vintage clothes.
Donating clothes to a charitable organization is as good as recycling. It is advisable to contact the organization beforehand to ensure that the donation is appropriately used.
Clothes used on special occasions like weddings and proms can be donated for raising money for charity through auctions.
Buying clothes made from sustainable materials is another option. Materials such as bamboo, hemp and sustainable cotton are non-toxic and environment friendly. This is also termed as ethical clothing.
Converting old clothes into cleaning rags is a better option than buying manufactured cleaning cloths. These come in handy while cleaning mirrors, windows and counter tops.
Old clothes can also be used for craft projects. Individuals who are good with a thread and needle can use embroidery or beads to make the clothes more appealing.
Patchwork cushions, rugs and quilts can be made from old clothes.
The fabric from second hand clothes can also be used for stuffing mattresses and couches.
Stained table cloths or torn sheets can be made into aprons and dishcloths.
Torn jeans make for sturdy sling bags and shopping bags.
Old hand knitted sweaters can be unraveled and the wool wound, washed and dried for reuse.

Other recycling tips

Try and avoid washing clothes too often as it consumes a lot of energy and can lead to large amounts of water wastage.
Carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced by washing clothes in cold water. It also leads to lower energy bills.
Using a clothes-line to dry clothes instead of the dryer also drastically reduces household carbon footprint.