16/09/2020
Clothing Clutter
Many of us believe donating our old or unused clothing to charities is the most ethical thing to do, but bear in mind that most recieve far more donations than they can handle, meaning many of the larger charities actually spend millions every year to cover disposal costs. Much of what we donate gets packed, shipped, and re-sold overseas or gets dumped in landfills anyway, further increasing their carbon footprint.
Globally, 80% of discarded textiles are doomed for landfill or incineration. Only 20% are actually reused or recycled.
The clothing that ends up in landfills can sit there for 200-plus years, and as it decomposes, it emits methane—a greenhouse gas more potent than carbon. Yikes.
Why not consider giving Sorted. a chance to sell on your donations and donate your share of the profit directly to the charities. This takes some of the pressure off the charities to store, sort, display/sell and dispose of any unsaleable items, yet they still benefit from the donation in cash, which can be put to good use straight away.
Sorted takes a staged approach to clothing for the benefit for the customer as well as various charities.
Firstly, branded items are advertised for sale online at a price which reflects their original value/desirability and condition.
Unsold and non branded items are then taken for sale at local outdoor markets.
Anything which goes unsold is then offered at a further reduced price to local charitable projects sending clothing to developing countries to be worn as intended.
Any textiles beyond sale/use are then recycled by reputable companies to become new products (think underlay, carpets, mattress fillings).
There are so many ways to avoid clothing clutter and waste;
'Shop' your own wardrobe before you buy new.
Buy quality classic pieces that suit your figure and are made to last, forget cheap fast fashion, theres no need to 'keep up' with every trend!
Consider buying second hand, swapping, borrowing or renting, particularly for occasion wear or one-time wears (fancy dress etc).
Be realistic about how many clothes you really 'need' at any one time.
If you really do need something, prepare a list in advance to help avoid impulse buys.
Be mindful of fashion marketing messages which prey on our insecurities, compelling us to buy things we weren't looking for with the promise of an improved lifestyle!
Get in touch today if youd like help tackling your wardrobe towards a clutter free future :)
