In September we blogged about artist Derick Melander, an artist who creates enormous intricate sculptures from used clothing. This month we’re featuring Guerra de la Paz, which is the name of the creative duo that is Alain Guerra and Neraldo de la Paz. Guerra and de la Paz are two Cuban-born artists who have been working collaboratively for almost 20 years. Like Melander, these two Miami-based artists use discarded secondhand clothing to create large sculptures that are both beautiful...

Jigsaw is a London-based clothing company with a message: Clothing is for life, not landfill. “We design and create products for life, not just for a season,” their website states. In their Fall/Winter 2015 ad campaign, they juxtapose older used clothing and accessories (borrowed from actual customers) with new pieces from their collection. A new blazer with an older sweater underneath. A new dress with an older purse. Even more interesting are the vignettes that accompany...

Each of us discards (on average) 80 lbs of used clothing per year, adding up to a staggering 25 billion pounds of used clothing for the entire population of the United States–every year! To put it mildly, that is not good. And so, in this world where clothing is increasingly devalued and treated as a disposable commodity, it’s refreshing to be reminded that each of us has an emotional connection to the clothes we wear; memories and feelings seem to be hidden inside the very fibers...

Not every used clothing item that is donated to a thrift store or charitable institution is sold in the storefront. Some donated articles of clothing aren’t suitable for resale due to imperfections (rips/tears, stains, excessive wear, etc.). Sometimes donated clothing that is fit for resale and is priced and put out for sale for some reason, doesn’t sell. Thrift stores can’t keep these two types of clothing, they can’t sell these types of clothing, and they can’t...

Are you ever unsure about whether your unwanted shoes are suitable to be donated? You’re not alone. Following are a few thoughts and guidelines about whether you should donate or recycle your used shoes. Donated goods are meant to be resold. All items, including shoes, donated to a thrift store or charity should be clean and in good condition. Donate your used paired shoes to a thrift store or charitable institution if they are in good condition (no holes, tears, or excessive wear),...