Clean out your wardrobe SUSTAINABLY!
Not every method of reducing the size of the wardrobe is environmentally friendly.
The majority of the clothes that are cleaned out end up in landfill far too quickly, further exacerbating the textile problem and the consumption of resources.
In her book "The Conscious Closet", Elizabeth L. Cline writes that "Marie Kondo's advice should not be taken as the ultimate, because the 'Spark Joy' method is a fast fashion approach. It is very impulsive and creates a lot of waste.
Instead You should think carefully about how to clear out your wardrobe.. It's ultimately largely up to consumers to decide whether the items they want to get rid of will have a second life or end up in landfill."
6 ways to clean out your wardrobe sustainably
1| Give your clothes a second or even third chance
Instead of immediately getting rid of the clothes that "no longer bring you joy", Cline suggests that we should rather give them a second or third chance for the first time.
"It's an opportunity to rediscover the things you already have. When you combine one piece of clothing with another, a completely new look can emerge. Because: The most sustainable item in your wardrobe is the garment you already own."
2| Make sure your clothes are in good condition
In order for your clothes to find a new home in the first place, you need to make sure that they are in good condition. The clothes should always be washed. Stains and dirt that can be removed should be cleaned. It is also worth going one step further and repairing small blemishes, such as sewing on a loose button.
"All this makes additional effort, But ultimately decides whether an item will end up in a landfill or possibly find a new home in someone else's wardrobe."
3| Sell or trade your clothes with others
Sell or trade your clothes to ensure that they will not end up in landfill. This is especially recommended for high quality clothes.
"It's always a great feeling to earn some money, but also a Opportunity, to take on more responsibility and ensure that the item really will find a new home."
4| Look for organisations that accept worn clothes
Whether Second-Hand Shop or old clothes collection: Most of us usually drop off all our unwanted clothes at the same place. However, if one of your items is particularly worn out, it is worth checking whether the organisation will accept and recycle it at all.
"You need to make sure that the organisation is working with a Recycling companies cooperates, otherwise it will have to pay for the landfill."
5| Muck out according to the season
Advisable is to clean out only those pieces that were not used during the current Season can carry. This will also help you decide what to keep based on the rest of your clothes.
It will also make it easier for you to find a new owner for your discarded clothes. because "there is then a greater demand for this type of clothing on the Resale market there."
6| Take an inventory of your wardrobe
A tidy-up also gives you the opportunity to see what you currently have hanging in your wardrobe. This in turn allows you to make smarter buying decisions in the future.
"When you clean out your closet, you are by and large creating an inventory of what you already have and what you are missing, what you might need and so will shop more consciously.", writes Cline.
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