What Do I Do With... Clothing?

Fashion trends change quickly these days. That means people throw away their clothes to make room for more. According to the EPA, the average person throws away 70 lbs. of clothing a year. However, did you know that almost 100% of those clothes can be recycled or reused. The lifetime of an article of clothing can be extended, and thus preventing it from ending up in the landfill. Here are some ways to help you be environmentally friendly by reducing the amount of clothes going to the landfill while cleaning out your closet!Donating and selling gently used clothing is a great way to keep clothes from going to the landfill. You can sell your clothes in a garage sale or consignment stores such as Buffalo Exchange or donate to charitable organizations such as Goodwill or Salvation Army. Here are some local organizations that will also gladly accept clothing donations:Treasure City Thrift (local thrift store that works toward zero waste) 2142 E. 7th St. Austin, TX 78702Dress For Success (non profit that promotes economic independence of disadvantaged women) 701 Tillery Street Suite A-5 Austin, TX 78702The Settlement Home for Children (promotes healing and growth in children, young adults and families) 1600 Payton Gin Road, 78758Safe Place (strives to end sexual and domestic violence) 1401 Grove Blvd 78741The Arc of Texas (supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities)If you’re feeling creative or the clothes have been greatly worn out here are some fun DIY projects you can do to reuse clothing.1. Keep hold of your belongings in a t-shirt tote bag2. Make over old shoes into pretty planters3. Alter old jeans into a denim rug4. Accessorize your home with a sweater pillow5. Change old belts into a chair