With the current focus on climate change, people are constantly on the look out for ways to reduce their impact on the environment. While some people are trying to limit their use of energy and some make a point to recycle things like cans and cardboard, these are not the only materials that if not recycled can have negative consequences.
Clothing and textiles are often made from materials that are sturdy and biodegradable. This makes sense considering that people usually want their clothes to last a long time rather than having to constantly buy new clothes. What many don’t realize is these materials can harm the environment and can be recycled in order to prevent this.
Unfortunately, as of right now not many people are not attempting to do so. An estimated 12 million tons of clothing and textile waste is thrown out in the United States every year. Besides just recycling them, donating clothing to charity can be a great way to avoid throwing them out while also helping others. This is even more beneficial to the environment considering that those receiving the clothing donations will not have to buy more clothes that could end up in a landfill.
Just in 2011, there were about 2 million tons of recycled textiles and clothing donations which may sound like a lot. However, this only amounts to an estimated 90% of textiles and clothing thrown out that could have been recycled.
Donating clothes is a much simpler process than people may assume. Dropping off clothes to a charity really isn’t too difficult, but if you find you don’t have the time, there are alternative methods. For example, there are charities that will pick up donations at your home so you want have to take any extra time away from your day or lug a giant bag of clothes over to the nearest donating facility.
Charitable clothing donations can have a huge impact on the environment as well as people’s lives. It may seem like a minor task, but it can make make a world of difference for many.