Following on from my blog about eco laundering, another way to be eco about your wardrobe is on how you dispose of items that you no longer want. Most give to the charity shop nearest to them, but here are some other ideas.
1. When it comes to clothing donations, think beyond the local charity shop. Many non-profit groups require clothes for people in need. Your local church, women’s shelter, and homeless shelter could use the clothes you’re ready to donate. Some groups even have volunteer pickups.
I am a supporter of the fantastic charity Smartworks, who are always in need of good quality women's wear and accessories to help dress women for interviews. They have offices in a few locations around the UK so see if there is one near you.
If others can benefit from your castoffs, you’re not adding to landfills, which is where many charity shop donations unfortunately end up.
2. Some items may not have worked out for you, but you never got round to taking them back. They are never worn, and may even have the tags still on. These are perfect items to take down to a dress agency for resale. You can take the money you earn from the sale and use it to make smarter purchases, or donate the proceeds to a favourite charity.
3. Hold a ‘swishing’ evening with a group of friends or business associates. Pick a date, and a suitable location, and bring clothes you’re ready to swap for someone else's castoffs. Donate what doesn’t get a new home to a local charity shop or organisation in need. Just don’t go home with the clothes you brought!
Lizzie Edwards is the owner of Lizzie Edwards Style Consultancy, one of London’s leading Personal Stylists and Image Consultants for Women in business and author of 'Look Like The Leader You Are; A 7-Step Style Strategy for Ambitious Women’