According to Wrap.org.uk, in the UK each year there is an estimated £140 million worth of clothing dumped in landfills each year. A lot of the time these clothes would be easily reused but because of cheap clothing and our throw-away culture, we see our landfills filling up and thousands of tonnes of clothing and textiles which could have been reused or repurposed.
Why is it important?
The textile industry pumps millions of tonnes of greenhouse gasses into our atmosphere a year and contributes severely to global warming. According to Europeanparliament.eu, the textile industry contributes 10% of the world’s harmful emissions into the atmosphere. Not just by the dumping of tonnes of clothing but also by the production of throw-away fashion.
Along with policy makers, it is up to us to help reduce the risk of global warming and the adverse effects it is having on our planet. Helping to reduce the destruction of natural habitats, sever and dangerous weather and the destruction of eco-systems all around the world.
What can be done about clothing waste?
It is obvious if something you own is totally torn to shreds that you would want to get rid of it.
But, with a little thought, clothing can be reused in a multitude of ways. For example, you could upcycle it into something else, there are lots of great websites that can show you how to upcycle your clothes. You can customise the ripped clothes into something fashionable and create yourself a new look.
Another option is to donate your clothes to a charity to either be resold in their charity shops or to be donated on to those who are in need of them.
Why donate your clothes to charity?
When you donate clothes to charity, your unwanted and unused clothes can help towards supporting people around the UK who are not as fortunate as ourselves. Donating clothes to charity means that something you haven’t worn in a long time or was destined for the dump can be used again.
When clothes are donated to charity shops, they are sold and, the proceeds are put back into the community and help local projects that support people.
A lot of charities offer free clothes collections as well. Meaning not only can you clear out your unwanted clothes for free, help good causes and reduce your carbon footprint, but you don’t even have to leave your house to do it.
How easy can it be?
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