Going Green – Make use of old clothing

With so many Americans throwing away large amounts of their old clothing each year, which, inevitably, wind up in landfills, the environmental disasters continue to exist. This can be so easily avoided, as well as, economically sound with just using a little creativity. Since textiles are easy to recycle and reuse, instead of trashing the old clothes, try salvaging them using these ideas:

• Hand-Me-Downs

If you have younger children, the most practical use of the hand-me-downs would be, obviously, to hand it down. However, if you do not, there are online services dedicated to trading hand-me-downs, or for just donating clothing to the cause. It is a great way to clean up a child’s closet and save on clothing.

• Donate

This is a good way to ensure reuse. If you have no family members to benefit from your old clothes, there are plenty of charities that would be happy to receive them. Also, if you choose this route, be sure to itemize each piece, or at least take pictures, and get receipts so you can write off the donation on your taxes.

• Sell

If you have the time, energy and patience, have a yard sale. This way you could focus your efforts on your community. Invite some friends and/or neighbors to share in the sale, or include church groups and clubs. Bigger and better organized yard sales usually attract more potential customers, and keeps people from stopping and starting their cars repeatedly.

Sell to the highest bidder. Earn a little cash for yourself by selling your items on consignment in local thrift stores, or on an internet auction site. There are quite a few reputable sites on the internet.

• Turn Old Clothes into New Clothes

With a little ingenuity and cosmetic alterations, an old dress can be transformed into a new one. An embroidered motif, dash of paint, or modified hemline can breathe new life into an otherwise drab piece of clothing. Clothing that is beyond rescue can be made into baby clothes. A man’s pair of jeans can usually provide enough material for a boy’s pair. Turn a skirt into a cute little blouse for a little girl.

• Doll Clothes

Kid’s old clothes are great for making doll clothes. Let the child design and create the clothes. It will help stimulate the child’s creativity and provide productive time spent. Bears make good models for clothing as well.

• Craft Projects

There are so many kinds of craft projects awaiting your creative mind. Cut small pieces of old clothes up to 4” x 4” and sew together to make quilts. Cut smaller pieces for stuffing throw pillows. Make bedding for pets. Laundry bags can be made from old dresses by closing the bottom with Velcro or buttons and storing the laundry through the neck of the dress. Fashion accessories, such as wallets or fashionable bags, can be transformed from old t-shirts and jeans. Children can learn how to sew with the fabric of old clothing. You and your child can make stuffed animals or wall-hanging decorations together.

• Composting

One hundred percent cotton fabric is compost-friendly. Cut up t-shirts, underwear, old jeans (no spandex), and bury them in the pile. Just be sure to remove any elastic waistbands.

• Cleaning Rags

Clothes that are unworthy of any of the above options still have a purpose. Put them in a rag pile. Instead of using tons of paper towels for cleaning, reach for one of your rags.

Recycling is one of the ways we can remain sustainable, particularly in today’s age of high consumption. It not only provides for people, but also reserves our resources for future utilization.

Remember – whenever you have something you would normally throw away – consider this: Instead of asking, “Is this something I can reuse,” the question should be “how can I reuse it?”

Check back for more Nashville recycling tips.