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We’ve all faced it—sorting through our wardrobe only to find clothes that can’t be worn or donated because they’re in poor condition. But instead of throwing them away, why not find a new use for them? There are plenty of practical and creative ways to repurpose old clothing, even if it’s seen better days.
Here are 9 easy things you can do with clothes that you can’t donate, helping you reduce waste and live more sustainably.
Cleaning Rags
Old t-shirts, towels, and sheets can serve a practical purpose as cleaning rags. Cut them into convenient sizes for dusting, wiping spills, or polishing furniture. Not only does this save you money on paper towels, but it also contributes to a more sustainable household. Plus, you’ll feel good knowing you’re giving these items a second life while keeping your home clean.
Turn Them Into Sewing Supplies
If you sew then you can cut up usable parts of your old clothes to use in sewing projects, or for making quilts. Even if only small parts of the fabric are salvageable, then these can be used to patch up jeans and denim jackets. You can also cut off and keep buttons, embellishments and even zips for your future sewing projects.
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Give to Animal Shelters
Animal shelters often need sheets, blankets, towels, and old clothes, which is a great and easy way to sustainably get rid of old things that aren’t in their best shape. As long as the fabric is clean and isn’t completely falling apart, animal shelters will likely be more than happy to accept your old clothing or textile items. They are usually handy for cleaning and making more comfy beds for the animals.
Host a Clothing Swap
If you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe, consider organizing a clothing swap with friends or family. Invite everyone to bring clothes they no longer wear and trade them for something new-to-you. This fun and social event is a fantastic way to recycle clothes while discovering unique pieces without spending a dime.
Use for Gardening
Your old clothes can be surprisingly useful in the garden. Use your torn or worn-out cotton shirts as plant ties to support growing plants. You can also use fabric strips to protect seedlings from pests or to mark rows in your garden.
Make Pet Bedding
If you have furry friends, you can easily transform your old clothes into cozy bedding for them without spending a dime. Simply, cut up soft fabrics like your t-shirts or sweatshirts and stuff them into a pillowcase or pet bed. Your pets will appreciate the warmth, and you’ll reduce textile waste in the process.
Send Back To The Manufacturer
Many brands provide opportunities for you to return worn-out items directly. Programs like Universal Standard’s Reset, Recycle, and Refresh, Patagonia’s Worn Wear, and Eileen Fisher’s Eileen Fisher Renew encourage you to send in or drop off your old clothing. Some brands may even offer you store credit for future purchases, making it an excellent way for you to declutter while earning rewards.
Use Them As Packing Material
When mailing fragile items, consider using your old textiles as packing material instead of styrofoam packing peanuts. Old socks, t-shirts, or kitchen towels can provide cushioning for delicate items. Additionally, when the holidays roll around, you can wrap gifts with these green materials or use them to protect fragile decorations like Christmas bulbs before storing them after the season.
Dye the Fabric and Turn It Into Something Usable
A package of fabric dye can transform your old clothing into something vibrant and new. With a little creativity, you can dye the fabric and then use elastic or ribbon to create stylish hair accessories or headbands. This not only gives the fabric a fresh look but also provides you with functional items.
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