While many textiles, such as sheets, clothing, towels, upholstery, industrial fabric scraps, and most other woven items, can be reused or recycled, they do not belong in your curbside recycling bin or cart! If you want to reuse or recycle textiles, you can find dedicated textile recycling services or donate or sell textiles that are in good condition.
When you shop for clothes, towels, sheets, or any other fabric products, make the investment to buy quality items that will last a long time and can be easily repaired. Some examples of durable textiles are tightly woven cotton, linen, polyester, and denim. Researching what you want beforehand will help you make a sustainable choice that still looks great and doesn’t break the bank.
Sustainable textile practices start at the beginning
One reason to spend a little more on high-quality, durable textiles is that when they become damaged, they can be repaired rather than replaced. By spending a little more initially, you can save money in the long run as you have a product that can last for years rather than a product that needs regular replacement. It’s also much more sustainable than repeatedly buying cheaper options and throwing the old items away.
If you purchase high-quality textiles, they can also be sold or donated when you’re done using them. There are several apps and websites where you can sell used clothing and textile items that are still in good condition. Some examples include Poshmark, thredUP, and Depop. Of course, eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace are also options. If you don’t want to sell, there are secondhand stores, such as Goodwill, The Salvation Army, and local thrift shops, that are happy to accept lightly used items.
A little extra time goes a long way
Taking a little extra care to find good quality products and then reuse options can go a long way toward reducing the items cluttering your closet and the waste filling our waste bins and landfills. It can also be very helpful to those in need. So, the next time you’ve got an old pair of jeans you want to get rid of, remember reuse!
Check out From Rags to Riches for more on selling used clothing.
Image credit: Andrii Zastrozhnov | iStock | Getty Images Plus