That time is approaching! After hibernating inside your sweaters and bulky scarves for so many months you can finally see the light at the end of the long snowy tunnel. It’s time for Spring Cleaning! Today is the day to clear out your closet in order to make room for your new and stylish warm weather clothes. You’re about to get rid of some of your older clothing items, but here is what you shouldn’t do: Don’t throw them in the trash. They may have lost value for you, but your old jeans would be a welcome hand-me-down for individuals in need. Rather than discarding items you no longer use, send them on to organizations that accept clothing donations.
As a nation, we throw away an estimated 12 million tons of clothing every year. What’s worse is that we found that approximately 90% of the clothing discarded in 2011 could have been reused or recycled. That’s more than 10 million tons of clothes going to waste in the United States. There is an easy solution: clothing donation. By donating clothing to charity you are relieving your closet of unwanted clothes, preventing the overflow of our landfills and waste facilities, and helping people in need.
How can I donate clothes?
There are organizations that accept clothing donations, and even charities that pick up donations directly from your home.
Where does the clothing go?
Approximately 80% of clothing donated in the U.S. is used by charitable organizations for distribution to the needy, or sold by thrift stores in order to raise funds to support charitable initiatives.
How does clothing donation benefit the environment?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency estimates that up to 75% of solid waste is recyclable; however only 30% of that is actually being recycled. By passing on your used clothing rather than throwing it away, you are reducing the amount of waste produced in the U.S. on a daily basis.
What kind of clothing can I donate?
Acceptable items must be new or gently used.
- Coats and jackets
- Shoes, boots, and sandals
- Dresses and skirts
- Shirts and blouses
- Sweaters and sweatshirts
- Hats, gloves, and socks
- Ties, suits, and blazers
- Pants, shorts, and jeans
- Swimwear
- T-shirts
- Formal wear
- Sleepwear
- Baby clothes
