Donating unused clothing is an excellent way to lighten up your closet and help others. Plus, there are so many convenient place to donate clothes to, from charities to donation bins. In the US, only 15% of textiles are recycled or donated, while 25 billion pounds are thrown away each year. In the UK, over 30% of unwanted clothing goes to landfills. Don’t contribute to the problem by puttin your clothes to waste and donate instead!
Why donating clothes is so important
When you drop your unwanted items into donation bins, you’re doing something good for yourself, others, and the planet.
First, decluttering your wardrobe can be incredibly freeing. You’ll find it easier to choose outfits, enjoy what you already own, and reduce decision fatigue.
Next, donating makes clothes accessible to people in need. Families experiencing poverty, disaster victims, and children in need can all make use of clothing that no longer serves you. Items in good condition can go on to serve someone else, extending their life and purpose.
Finally, by donating, you’re helping the environment. People buy 56 million tons of clothing every year, and we’re now buying 60% more clothing than we did 15 years ago. Our clothes consumption is driving the fashion industry to produce more, and contributing to global pollution and waste.
The fashion industry uses large amounts of nonrenewable resources, like petroleum, to make clothing that is prematurely thrown away. The industry is single-handedly responsible for around 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, roughly 1.2 billion tons per year.
Where to donate clothes to in the US
Goodwill
Revenue from Goodwill thrift stores goes towards job training and job placement services, among other community programs.
The American Red Cross
Partners with GreenDrop to deliver donated clothes to thrift stores for a fee. The funds then go to support the efforts of the Red Cross.
Dress for Success
For professional clothing donations, consider donating to Dress For Success. This organization has donated to almost 150 cities in 25 countries, resulting in 1.2 million women gaining jobs.
Soles4Souls
This organization accepts shoes and clothing, redistributing them to people around the world. They also help people open businesses to sell the donated items, effectively fighting poverty.
Bins to donate clothes to in the UK
Smart Works
This charity gives professional clothing to unemployed women. It also provides training for the women to help them gain employment.
Traid
Traid takes donated clothing and sells them to generate funds to help fight the social and environmental impacts of the fashion industry.
Heart UK
This organization partners with iCollectClothes, a free recycling collection service. For every ton of items collected, Heart UK receives £200. With this money, Heart UK provides vital support for people with high cholesterol.
Do you have a favourite bin provider to donate clothes to? Whether it’s a collection service, a storefront, or an actual bin – donating your unwanted clothing is a great way to do your part. I hope you’ve found this blog helpful!
For more eco clothing content, check out my post on eco-friendly washing here!
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