We’ve all been there: standing in front of a closet overflowing with clothes, many of which haven’t seen the light of day in months or even years. I’m talking about those final sale items that didn’t fit, styles that never grew on me, a full drawer of ill-fitting tights, and damaged pieces I don’t know how to repair (even though I’m pretty good at small fixes). Downsizing a closet can be daunting, especially when you’re faced with the guilt of waste. Over the past few months, I’ve been tackling this challenge head-on and have discovered a range of options to make this process both sustainable and satisfying. I’m excited to share the methods I’ve used with you.
1. Donate to Organizations Like Goodwill
Donating to Goodwill or similar organizations is still a tried-and-true method for responsibly passing along clothing. Items in good condition, especially those that would make someone’s day, are ideal candidates for donation. These organizations often sell donated items to support employment programs and community initiatives.
Tips for donating:
- Only donate clean, gently worn items. Torn or stained clothing may end up in the trash.
- Check for local organizations like women’s shelters, refugee centers, or community closets that might need specific types of clothing.
- Research donation centers that explicitly recycle textiles to minimize waste.
2. Sell Branded Clothes on Resale Platforms
The rise of branded resale platforms is one of the most exciting developments in sustainable fashion. Many companies, often in partnership with platforms like Treet, Trove, or ThredUp, now offer resale options for their clothing. These programs make it easy for customers to give their pre-loved items a second life.
Why I love branded resale:
- It ensures the items stay within the brand’s ecosystem, maintaining their quality and brand experience.
- Selling through these platforms can earn you credit or cash toward new purchases. Win-win for you and the environment.
- I’ve used Girlfriend to Girlfriend, a resale platform from Girlfriend Collective. It was easy to list my items and ship them out, and I loved seeing them go to someone who also enjoys this brand.
3. Non-Brand Specific Resale Platforms
If branded resale isn’t an option, platforms like ThredUp, eBay, and Poshmark are fantastic alternatives. These platforms allow you to sell clothing from virtually any brand with minimal effort. While there are fees for sellers, sometimes quite steep, it’s often worth the convenience.
My ThredUp trial:
I sent a Clean Out Kit to ThredUp to test their system. They handled all the logistics. I filled a box, they sold the items, and I earned a small payout. It’s convenient, but keep in mind their fees can significantly reduce your earnings. For example, my $78.06 worth of sales translated to just $5.32 in earnings after fees. A little disappointing, but on the other hand, it required virtually zero effort on my part.
4. Recycle Your Clothes
Some garments are too worn to donate or sell. That’s when textile recycling or downcycling comes into play. Companies like Trashie and SuperCircle make recycling clothing a breeze. I’ve used both, and there’s currently a half-full Trashie bag waiting to be filled in my closet.
How it works:
- SuperCircle: This platform partners with brands, allowing you to send back clean items in any condition for recycling. You earn brand credit in return, closing the loop on waste. I learned about SuperCircle while searching for ways to recycle tights and undergarments. Their collaboration with Subset allowed me to send in these items instead of throwing them in the trash.
- Trashie: Purchase a Take Back Bag from Trashie, fill it with your unwanted clothing, shoes, accessories, and even home textiles like linens and towels. They accept items in any condition, as long as they’re clean. According to Trashie’s website, approximately 70% of the collected items are in good enough condition to be reused. These are redistributed through global partners, ensuring they reach the right people at the right time. Items unsuitable for reuse are recycled responsibly. Some textiles are downcycled into industrial rags, insulation, or stuffing for items like pet beds and punching bags. This ensures even heavily worn items avoid landfills.
5. Repair Your Clothing
Sometimes, an item just needs a little TLC (Tender Loving Care) to make it wearable again. Repairing clothing is not only one of the most sustainable choices you can make, it also gives you a sense of accomplishment and extends the lifespan of your favorite garments.
Small Repairs:
- Replace missing buttons or zippers.
- Mend small holes or tears. Small holes can often be fixed with a needle and thread or iron-on patches. Hand sewing is simple to learn with a bit of practice.
- Dye faded garments to give them a fresh look. Fabric dyeing kits can revive faded or lightly stained items. Check out Green Matters Natural Dye Co., which dyes garments in bulk using botanical dyes.
Where to Start:
- YouTube offers free tutorials for basic repairs like hemming pants or reattaching buttons.
- DIY Repair Websites like iFixIt provide tutorials for garment repairs with step-by-step visuals.
- Local Tailors can handle intricate repairs. If you’re in Seattle, check out FXRY. Their Instagram is inspiring!
6. Join Your Local BuyNothing Community
BuyNothing groups are all about gifting and sharing within your local community. Post your unwanted clothes, and they’ll often find a home with someone nearby. It’s also a great way to connect with neighbors while reducing waste.
7. Explore Clothing Swaps
Clothing swaps are a fun, social way to exchange clothes. Gather friends or attend a local swap event to trade your unwanted items for something new-to-you. While I haven’t attended an event myself, I frequently swap clothes with a close friend, and it’s so satisfying.
Final Thoughts
With so many options available, there’s no reason for clothing to end up in a landfill. By donating, selling, recycling, or repairing, we can all play a part in reducing textile waste and giving our clothes a second life. Let’s keep these solutions in mind as we work toward a more sustainable future, one garment at a time.
