How to Recycle Old Clothing

There’s something energizing about cleaning out your closet, but what do you do with the clothing, shoes, and accessories that you decide not to keep?

You eco-fashionistas out there would never toss your used clothing into the trash, but unfortunately many people do. According to our sister site, Insteading, a significant percentage of the clothing and textiles we get rid of each year end up in the landfill. That adds up to hundreds of thousands of tons of waste each year.

In New York, the city government has teamed up with Housing Works to launch re-fashioNYC, a program aimed at making it easier than ever to donate used textiles. Here’s a quick video explaining a bit more about the program:

Not in New York? Don’t fret! It’s still easy to donate used clothing, accessories, and housewares! here’s how to recycle old clothing:

• Track down your local Goodwill, Salvation Army, or Value Village. Some charities, like Vietnam Veterans of America, will even pick up your donated items.
• If donating isn’t your thing, you can also have a go at selling off your unwanteds. Organize a garage sale or list them on eBay instead!
• Are you the crafty type? Use your sewing skills to reconstruct your old clothes into something brand new.

What about you guys? Do you have other tips on how to recycle old clothing?

Image Credit: Creative Commons photo by Thing Three