How to Recycle Cloth
Nearly half of the textiles thrown away each year are recyclable. Your t-shirts, jeans, fleeces, even shoes and formalwear are recyclable if you're willing to make the effort. Recycling cloth is important because of the benefits to the environment. Additionally, nearly 70 percent of the world uses second-hand clothing, so recycling your old clothes is a significant humanitarian act on a global scale. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Keeping It
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Examine the clothes, upholstery fabrics, curtains, and other cloth items you aren't using. Cut out swatches of fabric from pieces that are damaged or stained. Try to salvage as much as possible. Ribbons, laces and other trim can be useful as well.
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Categorize the materials you've collected. Put similar kinds of fabrics together as well as similar colors. Having it organized will make it easier for you to find and use when you're working on a craft project later on.
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Reconsider how to use a fabric. For instance, you could sew old dish towels together to make a neat tote bag, or use old bath towels to make a pet bed. Ribbons and lace can become fun embellishments to projects.
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Try felting old woolen pieces. Felted bags are very popular and any wool that's not pre-shrunk should felt nicely.
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Use fabrics in quilting projects to create unique appliqués or patterns. Taking old well-loved items like t-shirts or baby clothes can add flair to a memory quilt.
Giving It
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Donate used textiles to church groups or charitable organizations like the Salvation Army. When donating shoes, be sure you tie them together, or use a rubber band to join them. This makes the process of getting shoes to the people who need them faster and avoids adding to the pile of mateless shoes.
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Make a deal with a quilter's guild, or donate your materials to them for their charitable quilt projects.
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Sell, swap or donate your used clothes to interested crafters or artisans. Putting an ad in the local newspaper may help you find a buyer.
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Use eBay or a consignment shop to sell your old clothes.
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Be careful about what you consume. Become more green by only buying clothes you're certain you'll wear for a long time. Also, purchase second-hand clothes and use cloth rags instead of disposable ones.
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Tips & Warnings
There are several projects for reusing fabrics available online; surf around to find one that fits your needs.
Several organizations need your formalwear. Consider donating used bridal gowns, prom dresses, suits and other formals to the cause of your choice.
Many organizations will come to your home to collect clothes. If you can't get to them, call ahead and see if this service is available in your area.
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