Even if you loved wearing them, some clothes no longer belong in your closet. So what to do with those used or outdated textiles that you no longer want? Here are 5 solutions to recycle them in a smart and environmentally friendly way.
Limit the impact of fashion on the environment
According to figures from ADEME (French Environment and Energy Management Agency), more than 100 billion items of clothing are sold each year around the world. In France, 624,000 tonnes of TLC (Clothing Textiles, Household Linen and Footwear) are marketed (2.6 billion pieces), or around 9.5 kg per year per inhabitant. This is huge, especially when you consider that we get rid of 4 million tonnes of textiles every year in Europe. 80% are thrown in the garbage can and end up simply being landfilled or incinerated.
With 1.2 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases emitted each year, more than international flights and maritime traffic combined, the textile industry is today the second most polluting industry in the world after oil. It is also the third water consuming sector, after the cultivation of wheat and rice. 4% of the drinking water available in the world is used to produce our clothes. Cotton growing consumes a lot of fertilizer, pesticides and water: 2,700 liters for a T-shirt, for example.
How can I reduce the impact of my look?
- Think before you buy
Even though fast fashion tempt us to buy new pieces every season, it’s better to think about it before making an unnecessary purchase that you won’t want after a few months. Choose basics, pieces that will never leave you and will pass the years without going out of fashion. Also favor beautiful cuts and quality materials.
If you are buying new, choose the right materials. Favor organic cotton and natural materials (wool, linen, hemp, etc.). Finally, for more responsible fashion, look for eco-labels (Ecocert Textile, Demeter, etc.). They guarantee a high level of requirements in terms of limiting the impact of products and services on the environment and health.
- Take good care of your clothes
Taking good care of your clothes allows you to keep them for a longer period of time and therefore avoid having to part with them after a few months. In the machines, sort the whites and colors and opt for a temperature of 30 degrees, this is more than enough and it protects the textile fibers. The tumble dryer, on the other hand, is not very good for clothes and, above all, is very energy intensive.
Recycling solutions for your used or obsolete clothes
In France, the fashion industry, and more particularly the textile, clothing and footwear sector, is the one that generates the most waste. To avoid this, there are many recycling solutions! Here are five to know …
1. Resell clothes
With each change of season, it's time to go: we sort our wardrobe and we separate ourselves from clothes that we no longer wear, that no longer fit or that we no longer like. But this year, what if we combined the useful with the pleasant by making room in your wardrobe while making ends meet? If you don't know what to do with clothes you no longer wear, consider reselling them online! Vinted, Vestiaire Collective, Videdressing… Recently, these applications on which we can sell our fashion pieces have experienced real success. Plus, it's quick and easy to use!
2. Swap clothes
Sorting through your closets and renewing your wardrobe without spending anything, that's the whole point of bartering. In addition to being economical and ecological, barter is very easy to organize and it is also a great opportunity to meet up and share a great time with friends! Everyone gathers the clothes they don't want anymore, we meet at someone's house and we exchange the pieces. Now might be the time to go home with that jacket or sweater you spotted and loved on your friend!
3. Give your clothes a second life
Why throw away your clothes when you can recycle them and give them a second life? Recently, upcycling is gaining ground and attracting more and more French people. This trend, which is simply to make new and beautiful with old, allows you to give life to clothes you no longer wear. If any of your parts are damaged, don't hesitate to repair them rather than throw them away! Having your clothes and shoes repaired can extend their lifespan. It’s smart, economical and ecological.
4. Donate clothes to associations
If your clothes are in good condition, you can donate them to women, men and families in need thanks to collections organized by associations such as Emmaüs or the Red Cross. Want to part with a piece of clothing or an accessory without leaving the house? Today, for example, you can sell them on the solidarity online sales site Label Emmaüs. A recycling solution that is both inclusive and responsible!
5. Bring your clothes to collection points
Finally, you can drop off the clothes you no longer want to keep at collection points. Many Relais containers are available today. Warning ! Before donating your clothes, make sure that they are in good condition, clean and dry. Shoes should be tied in pairs in a tightly closed bag. Only textiles and shoes that are damp or stained with chemicals or paint should be discarded, the others can be recycled.
To help you recycle your clothes …
> I recycle my clothes: 10 textile upcycling ideas, Eugénie Da Rocha, € 9.95 on Amazon
> Recycling, recovery of clothes and accessories: Easy tutorials, Evelyne Billot, € 17.41 on Amazon