If you’re like most people, your family’s clothing situation may have gotten out of hand. Children, especially, can outgrow clothing quickly. Therefore, if you notice that you have to wade through piles of garments just to find one thing for your kids to wear to school, then it may be time to clean out the clutter.
Even your own closet may be full of items you haven’t worn in years. We hold onto old clothing and other accessories for a number of reasons. So if you’re telling yourself that you’ll lose those 10 pounds and wear that dress again or that spandex will come back in style, it’s probably time to let it go.
But what can you do with these castoffs? Is it okay to just throw them out and forget they ever existed? Not if you don’t want to contribute to land pollution in the United States. Each year, Americans throw away millions of tons of clothing when, in fact, those garments could have been recycled and used again. In addition to clothing, household items like furniture, appliances, and electronics also tend to get dumped in landfills, and they can have a seriously negative impact on the environment.
If you know of any local charity organizations that are looking for donations, here are some things you might want to consider giving:
- Clothing: Have you realized that you have too much clothing that you’re holding onto? Is it time to decrease the clutter in your home? If so, this is a great place to start, as many organizations accept gently used clothing donations for helping families in need. Ask your favorite charities if they are looking for donations and find out when you can drop them off or have them picked up right at your door.
- Household Items: Need to offload old furniture? Have any small kitchen gadgets you got for Christmas in 1997 — and never used? No matter what you may have that you no longer need, there may be someone else out there who does need it. Ask your local charities what they need and give accordingly.
- Electronics: Don’t let your old computers head to the landfill! These items can actually be repurposed and reused, and they give people access to the internet. Cell phones, televisions, and other electronics can also be easily recycled.
Have more questions about what to give, when to donate clothes, or where to donate household items? Make sure you contact a local charity that is looking for donations. You can also leave a comment with any questions or suggestions that you might have.