Donating used clothing is an easy way to celebrate Earth Day.

Most of us have several clothing items that we no longer wear including last year’s fashions, items that are too small or too large, or that we just don’t like anymore. You might even have clothing that is torn, stained, or beginning to show signs of wear. Did you know that those unworn items from your closet (including the torn and stained pieces) are vital to the worldwide economy? They are!

The World of Secondhand Clothing
Nearly 80% of the world’s population wear used clothing and used shoes. Donating your clean, gently used clothing to thrift stores and charities is a fantastic way to support those who either cannot afford to buy new clothing or those who make a point of buying used clothing out of concern for the environment.

Yes, Used Clothing is Good for the Environment
It takes a considerable amount of natural resources to manufacture clothing. It takes over 500 gallons of water to manufacture ONE cotton t-shirt, not to mention the chemicals, dyes, and cotton itself that are used in the process. Harmful by-products are also produced and leaked into the environment as a result of textile manufacturing. There is a growing movement of environmentally-conscious consumers who make a point of purchasing used clothing, used shoes, and used goods as a way of protesting the over-production of new goods. As demand for new products decreases, production will decrease which will mean fewer chemicals and toxic runoff will occur–a definite positive for the environment!

Donating Has Never Been Easier
You’re busy. You may not have the time to load up your donations and drive to your favorite charitable institution. That’s OK! Look for drop boxes in your neighborhood, or schedule a pick-up. Many charitable institutions have programs available where they will come to you to pick up your donation of used clothing, used shoes, even furniture and household items.

Torn and/or Stained Used Clothing Items Should Be Recycled
Clothing should never be thrown in the garbage. Your clothing items still have value even if they are torn, stained, or missing buttons. These items can be broken down and made into insulation, carpet padding, upholstery stuffing, and even other clothing and textile items. Many of the larger municipalities have textile recycling programs. Check your local city and/or county websites for more information. Private textile recycling companies also have programs and, in some cases, incentives for donating.

Whether you’re donating to a textile recycler or a thrift store, donating used clothing is one of the easiest ways to celebrate Earth Day.