How to Discard Old Clothes Responsibly in 2024

By Alex Assoune May 24, 2024

The fashion industry has a catastrophic impact on the environment. The way we produce and consume clothing today isn't sustainable or ethical. Post-industrial and post-consumer textile wastes are piling up in landfills at an alarming rate.

Buying fewer clothes and higher quality is one of the best ways to be a more conscious fashion consumer. We can also take better care of the garments we already own, reuse, repair, repurpose, recycle, and upcycle used clothing.

It's now more important than ever to take massive action to reduce the amount of pollution and waste we create globally each year. Our wardrobe has a huge impact on the planet, people, and animals living on it. We must be more sustainable with clothes overall.

I have compiled a few guides, tips, and tricks below that sum up some simple yet very effective actions we can take as consumers to protect the environment.

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Why is Upcycling Clothing Important for the Environment

If you are decluttering your closet or moving out to a new place, you may wonder what to do with pieces of clothing you don't wear anymore. Donating, selling, recycling, or upcycling are great options.

Upcycling clothes is one of the best ways to discard them without harming the environment. It has many environmental benefits such as less waste, lower pollution, water, and energy savings.

I'm a Hoarder. How Do I Begin to Clean?

Decluttering your home has many advantages. It contributes to your well-being, simplifies your life, and gives it purpose. By cleaning things intentionally, you adopt a more mindful way of living.

If you act responsibly with your stuff, you do better for the planet, your wallet, and your peace of mind. Even small steps make a big difference. But it can be difficult when you are a hoarder like me.

Top 5 Tips To Declutter Your Workout Clothes

Too many workout clothes? I know the feeling! It's hard to decide what your essentials are, how to make room for better items, and what to do with the excess gear.

Here are my top tips to declutter your wardrobe of sportswear and activewear. My advice is: instead of trying to do everything at once, do it step by step over a few days.

How To Get Rid Of Unwanted Clothes For Money

Getting rid of unwanted clothes for money is one of the best ideas you can have to simplify your life, protect the environment, get extra cash, and make someone else happy.

That's amazing, right? Whether you are trying out the minimalist fashion style or making room in your closet for new clothing purchases, we got you covered. Purge everything that doesn't bring you joy, and keep what makes you confident and comfortable.

How Often Should I Go Through My Clothes

If you are a hoarder like me, you don't like going through your clothes. You'd rather keep everything. But having an encumbered closet can be overwhelming and stressful. How do you know when it's time to clean?

Go through your clothes whenever you can as often as possible. Ideally, you shouldn't have to clean out your closet ever. But if you are new to decluttering, getting rid of unwanted clothes every season is a great start.

Is it Better to Donate or Sell Clothes?

Decluttering our closet feels great. By getting rid of the clothes we don't wear anymore, we can gain more time, space, and money to invest in what matters the most to us. Donating and selling old clothes are excellent options to simplify our life.

To decide if it's better to donate or sell clothes, most of us look at what's more practical for us. Donating to charitable organizations is arguably easier than putting efforts into our listings to ensure our clothing will sell.

How to Get Rid of Clothes And Not Feel Bad

Having too many clothes is a very common problem. You know it's time to get rid of some of them when your closet is full but you have nothing to wear. Unfortunately, feeling bad after getting rid of clothes happens too often. So many people have a hard time with this.

If you don't feel like wearing certain pieces in your wardrobe, find a positive and responsible way to throw them away. Consider selling or donating them. Swapping with friends or recycling them is always a great option.

20 Types of Clothes to Get Rid of Right Now

How do you know what clothes to keep or to get rid of? What are the essentials for your fashion style? And are you going to regret anything afterward?

With the following suggestions, you can get an idea of the types of clothes to get rid of right now. Trust me, you will feel better afterward.

I Have Too Many Clothes But I Like Them All

Having too many clothes is a common problem. If you like all of them, it's a sign that you made great purchase decisions based on your style and lifestyle. But you didn't take into account if you need them and how much room you have at home.

Making space in your closet and getting rid of some clothes is probably the best solution. Getting organized and decluttering your life are great steps you can take right now to feel of lot better about your wardrobe.

What To Do With Clothes You Don't Want

Whether we are moving out to a new place or decluttering our closet, getting rid of unwanted clothes is one of the best ways to simplify our life. But we must do so responsibly.

With clothes you don't want, you can organize a swap party with friends and family or a yard sale. You can also sell them online, drop them off at a local resale shop, donate them to charity, repurpose, upcycle or recycle them.

How To Decide What Clothes To Keep

How do you decide what clothes to keep or to get rid of? If you don't feel like wearing certain pieces in your closet, you might consider selling or donating them. The item could no longer be your style or fit you as it should.

So many people have a hard time with this. You may find yourself wanting to keep all the items you source that fits you. It is difficult to find the courage to sit down and decide if you will wear each item again or not.

Letting Go of Clothes That Are Too Small

I don't like to get rid of anything, especially clothes. I'm a hoarder that keeps most of his clothes. Even when some pieces get too small, they tend to stay in my closet.

Letting go of clothes that are too small isn't easy. Yet, it's more beneficial to keep clothes that fit us perfectly and make room for better items. If they are one size too big or too small, they take space in our closet for no reason. It's time to let them go.

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About the Author: Alex Assoune

Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.

What We're Up Against

Multinational corporations overproducing cheap products in the poorest countries.
Huge factories with sweatshop-like conditions underpaying workers.
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Bad actors encouraging overconsumption through oblivious behavior.
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