Recycling isn't just for plastic and glass. Items you no longer use or want can be reused by others - donate to your local charity shop and reduce your waste.
Buying and donating secondhand is one of the best things we can do for the planet.
What difference does it make?
The fashion industry causes about 10% of global carbon emissions, and nearly 20% of wastewater - more than planes and ships combined. Did you know that the approximate amount of water to grow enough cotton to produce just one pair jeans is 6,813 litres. Grab yourself a pair from the charity shop!
What do you need?
- Good quality clothes and accessories you no longer wear
Step by step
Get all the clothes you don't wear any more that have been sitting in your wardrobe. Ask everyone to contribute a few items: clothes the kids have grown out of, clothes that don't fit anymore - time to say goodbye!
You can also donate accessories, books, CD's, DVD's, homeware, toys. You can even check to see if you local charity shop will accept and even collect your larger household items such as: Beds/ Sofas/ Drawers/ Wardrobes
Pop them all in a bag and take them to a local charity shop. Hand the bag over and feel good.
Don't forget to take a photo so you can score your goals. Have a browse while you're there.
Need Help?
We found this brilliant article which we think is well worth a read when you have time
Growing cotton uses lots of pesticides and water, while processing clothes also uses lots of water. Dyes often cause pollution. If clothes are made of synthetic fibres, that comes from the oil industry - and these fibres rub off the clothes to infiltrate our soil and water.
Next time you think of buying something new, ask yourself whether you really need it.