4 great reasons to donate clothes instead of binning them

I'm Love Your Clothes in the United Kingdom

13 Aug, 2020

2 mins read time

It happens. Sometimes you fall out of love with your clothes – even outfits you once lived in. But before you get rid, it’s worth thinking about what’s best to do with them.

Why donating to charity is a win-win-win-win

Donating clothing to charity is one of many sustainable alternatives to binning them, along with sharing, swapping and selling. It’s also the most popular, with 39% of people in the UK now giving clothes to charity shops. Here are four reasons why you might want to join them…

1. It’s great for the planet

Ever thought about what happens to your clothes once you’ve thrown them in the bin? The truth is pretty shocking. Every year in the UK, an estimated 300,000 tonnes of clothing is thrown away by households – and much of this is destined for landfill. That’s a huge amount, especially as there’s no need for any clothing or textiles to make its way into a bin.

By shopping second hand for clothing and donating your clothes instead, you can help fight landfill, reduce demand for resource-hungry new clothes, and have a real impact in making fashion more sustainable.

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A forklift truck drives through a pile of rubbish at a landfill site. Seagulls fill the sky.

2. It does good. A LOT of good

Double the impact with just one act! By donating your unwanted clothes to charity, you’re not only helping the environment, you’re also supporting brilliant causes. In fact, donated clothing is one of the biggest sources of funds raised by charities.

The best part is that you can choose which charity you want to give that coat, dress or top to. So, if you have a cause that’s close to your heart, it’s a no-brainer!

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A pair of hands holding a cardboard box full of clothes

3. It gives your clothes a new life

Donate your unwanted garments to charity and you can let your clothes be loved all over again. You might not be getting much use out of that jumper or suit, but someone else definitely will – and they could be buying it instead of something brand new, too.

Your clothes will begin a new journey and be part of new memories. Far better than being binned and forgotten. So share the love – donate and send your clothes on a new adventure!

4. It helps super-organise your wardrobe

Lost track of what’s actually in your wardrobe? Now’s the time to rediscover hidden gems – and decide what needs to go. If there are clothes you’ve not worn for ages, you no longer need or that no longer fit, it’s probably time to find them a new home.

Anything that’s too worn to donate can go to a local textiles bank for recycling instead. If you’re worried a clear-out sounds too much like hard work, fear not! Just keep a bag in your wardrobe, and pop in any items you come across that are no longer needed. When it’s full, drop it off at your local charity shop.

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