With increasing concerns about the quantity of waste in landfills (not to mention the oceans), clothing donations and recycling are welcome moves towards curbing the widespread menace posed by trash. Recent studies show that 12 million tons of clothing and textile waste are added to the landfills every year. Textile wastes form a significant portion of total solid waste, which degrades the environment. So as you plan to revamp your wardrobe and release the old collection for fall, consider charities that pick up donations at your door.
Why donate clothing?
In 2007, an estimated $5.8 billion worth of clothing donations were made through charity organizations in the United States. Each pound of cotton reused lowers carbon emission by seven pounds, which is equivalent to seven miles of driving. Are you ready to join the cause? Below are few more reasons why clothing charity donations are a worthy cause.
Makes a difference to others
Often, people associate donations with monetary contributions towards an individual drive. The perception bars many from reaching out to the needy and getting the gratification that comes with selfless giving. One person?s garbage is another person?s treasure, hence the need to join the noble cause of transforming people?s lives in your community. In 2011, an estimated 2 million tons of clothing and textile products were recycled or donated to charitable organizations here in the United States.
While it might not be the prime reason for giving, clothes donations come with a bonus. Someone else benefits from your donated valuables — you — as you reduce your tax burden. Payable acts attract rebates from the government, which slices the amount deducted from your income. Just maintain the records of the clothing donations to itemize in the tax forms.
Clean up your space
A good inventory of your wardrobe is likely to show what you do not need, and those items can then be donated or recycled as needed. If you are the kind that keeps lamenting over the lack of space available in the closet, recycling helps you free up some space and aid others simultaneously. A standard bag of clothes donation is enough to give you a sense of peace as well as wellbeing in your room.
Preserves the environment
Don’t forget, you need 700 gallons of water and one-third pound of pesticides to grow sufficient cotton to manufacture one T-shirt. Disposing of the garments strains the natural resources while introducing harmful chemicals into the environment. A World Bank survey estimates about 20% of water pollution comes from textile treatment and dying. If every American reused one T-shirt, they would save 210 billion gallons of water and prevent 1 billion pounds of carbon emission.
Finally, there’s no excuse for throwing old clothes in the trash. If you cannot travel to make clothing donations, charities that pick up donations are available in every major city in the country.