Did you know that it takes the same amount of water that you would drink in 3 years to make 1 cotton tee? The clothing industry is the 2nd largest pollutant in the world, contributing to 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions. Fast fashion is a leading source of high levels of environmental damage as well as human exploitation.
The good news is that 95% of all clothing can be reused, and we are delighted to join the fight to securing a healthier planet.
By buying second hand, you are saving garments from joining the 13 million tons of textiles that are either burned or tossed into landfills each year, where it takes 30+ years to decompose- both of these methods release methane into our air. When you give old items a new home, not only are you wearing a piece of history, but you are helping make strides towards reducing your carbon footprint by making thoughtful and conscious consumer decisions. Not to mention, many vintage items were made with superior craftsmanship and fabrications, and are generally of a higher quality than today’s fast fashion manufacturing produces.
Our favorite ways to recycle clothing are:
Try your hand at sewing, or ask a friend or relative to assist you. Some of our favorite, beginner friendly re-make projects include cropping, splicing, patchwork, and fabric paint. If any of this feels out of reach, cutting your fabric into wiping cloths is an easy way to integrate recycled textile into your daily life.
Spill or stain? Our most assured method of stain removal on white garments is to soak your item in a warm bath with the appropriate amount of OxiClean. Let it soak, then gently rinse. Repeat this process until desired effect is reached, rinse as much as possible without tugging or wringing the fabric. Lay flat to dry on a white towel.
Whether you have a stain that won’t lift or you want to add some excitement to your closet, there are many different techniques of bleach dying, overdying and tie dying across a variety of skill sets.
It’s wonderful to see an influx of companies that will purchase your unwanted clothing, plenty of which offer mail in services with prepaid labels for your convenience.
Drop off your unwanted clothing at your local thrift store, where they are offered a chance at being re-homed.
Research a local swap meet, or organize one with your friends!
