10 ways to Zero Waste clothing

Getting rid of unnecessary clothes is a perfect way of cleaning and refreshing your room. It’s very easy to stuff used clothes in large garbage bags and just throw them away. However, think of all the waste you are creating! Have you thought of the many ways you could refrain from simply discarding clothes? Such efforts reduce the burden on the environment and can help people in need. It can generate a small extra income for yourself too.

Here are ten ways of zero waste clothing that you could incorporate in your lifestyle to make the world a better place:

1. Hand down clothes

Children grow out of their clothes fast. It’s often the case that these clothes are close to brand new! The best way to make use of these children’s clothes is to give them to other families with children. Search for relatives or families in the neighborhood with children. There are local clothes exchange gatherings too, so check your local newspaper or consult your nearest Children’s Center.

2. Unused goods corners and website Jimoty

Some local governments have Unused Goods Corners in Children’s Centers. What’s good about this service is that you can leave your disused items any time you like. People looking for something can visit the corner on their own time too. Moreover, the website Jimoty is useful for giving or buying/selling things in the neighborhood. Simply post what you have available on Jimoty and wait for people in your neighborhood to respond.

3. Flea market

If you have many clothes that are likely to sell, opening a flea market is another way to recycle clothes. You can sell and dispose of unneeded items and even earn extra income. Communicating with people who come to buy your clothes can be a lot of fun too!

4. Flea market app

Using flea market apps like “Mercari” and “Rakuma” is another way of making use of your unwanted clothes. The demerit is the packaging and sending the clothes that can be time-consuming. In this case, try selling the clothes as a set. If you use the money you earn through these apps to buy new clothes, a clothes cycle is formed, leading to zero waste.

5. Recycle shop

If you want to get rid of your disused clothes right away, but you don’t have time to open a flea market, try selling your items at a thrift shop or second-hand clothing store. You can bring your clothes to the store and have them assessed on the spot. In this way, you can get rid of them all at once.

Some shops even offer convenient home delivery and mobile service for large amounts of clothing, like some Book Off outlets. If you don’t have a recycle shop or second-hand clothing store in your neighborhood, or if you can’t carry the clothes you want to dispose of to the shop, this service might come in handy.

6. Remake

If you have clothes that are still in good condition or have good memories, why not challenge yourself by remaking them? Masks are very easy to make, and beeswax wraps that involve no sewing work.

7. Waste cloth

Worn-out clothes make good waste cloths to wipe off dirt. It’s effortless to make, and it’s free! All you have to do is to cut clothes you no longer need to the size of your liking. Put the pieces in a box and use it as a disposable cloth for cleaning.

8. Municipal clothing recycling

Many local governments carry out clothing recycling. Check your local municipality’s website or contact them by phone to get your clothes recycled.

9. Recycle boxes

Many apparel brands such as UNIQLO and H&M collect used clothing at their stores. Find out if your clothing brand is doing this service. If you’re lucky, you may even get a discount coupon!

10. Donation

Organizations such as Second Life and The Japan Relief Clothing Center accept clothes donations. Used clothes that you donate may be used by someone in need somewhere in the world, or it can lead to the vaccination of children. In many cases, the sender has to bear the shipping cost, so check on how it works in advance.

In these ten ways of recycling your clothes, perhaps the best method for you is the one that works most for you! Instead of throwing your clothes away, why not try one or two of the above to take part in zero waste?

Originally published in Life Hugger.
Translated by Ayako Karino.