10 Ways to Recycle Your Clothes

Step up and reduce the impact of your wardrobe

REUSE

1) Increase the number of times you wear your clothes

Studies have shown that the most impactful action you can take to reduce your environmental footprint in the fashion world is to wear your clothes until they are worn out.

Our tip? Go through your wardrobe and pick out those pieces you haven’t worn in a while and give them some love!

2) Repair your existing clothes

Get creative and add learning to sew to your skillset! Or watch a YouTube tutorial on how to fix your damaged clothes and give them new life.

If you’re time poor, take your clothes to a tailor for alterations and repairs and a good old fashioned cobbler can work magic on your shoes! Some retailers also offer repair services.

REDUCE

3) Look after your clothes

Reduce the amount of clothes you buy by looking after your existing clothes to get more use out of them. Reduce washing, wash clothes on a colder wash (30° max)and where possible use the trusty old air dry method so they last longer! For more info check out Clevercare’s tips and tricks on how to look after your clothes to ensure they last.

4) Buy quality over quantity

Spend a little extra cash and buy quality, staple pieces that will stand the test of time. You can research top ethical brands using the Good On You app which is a great resource that rates brands according to their environmental impact and treatment of workers and animals.

Sustainable clothes are usually more expensive to buy as labels take care with how they create pieces such as using recycled fabrics and/or paying garment workers a fair wage. You’ll not only look good but feel good about your purchase!

5) Buy clothes made out of eco-friendly materials

Buy clothes made out of sustainable fabrics including recycled or certified GOTS organic cotton, organic linen and hemp, recycled wool and low impact materials such as tencel. Learn more about these fabrics here .

6) Avoid buying into ‘trends’

Resist the urge to buy an endless amount of clothes and instead build a sustainable wardrobe , including a small number of high quality, classic pieces that you love and will wear again and again.

7) Rental services

Have a special occasion coming up and need that one-time-only fabulous outfit? Look no further than rental services. These companies allow you to hire clothes, minimising your environmental impact whilst not compromising your inner fashionista.

RECYCLE

8) Donate

Many of us just dump our old clothes into charity bins however when we donate useless or inappropriate items, the charity pays the cost of sending it to landfill. Instead ask the charity beforehand what their donation criteria is.

You can also donate your clothes effectively by asking the question, ‘would I give this to a friend?’ test. Many retailers are now offering donation services. The Iconic has teamed up with the Salvos and Australia Post to allow you to donate your clothes.

9) Upcycle

Get crafty and research how you can turn your old clothes into new items. From reusable cotton pads, bags, pillows to cleaning cloths the options are endless!

10) Sell your clothes online

Make some extra cash and revamp your old clothes and put them up for sale. Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and Ebay are good places to start. Make sure you give your clothes a good wash and iron before putting them up for grabs!

Retrieved from: https://www.cleanup.org.au/top-10-ways-to-reuse-reduce-and-recycle-your-clothes