Swap Till You Drop: Donate or Swap

So you have tried everything. You have tried upcycling those jeans and even tried turning that top into a tote bag. Sometimes things don’t work out, and that item has truly reached the end of the road.

Our first instinct might be to throw this item in the trash. It’s easy, quick, and free. But there are other easy, quick, and free ways that are also sustainable. 

If you are like me, it can also be hard to let things go. But if you are parting with clothes with specific intentions, it can make letting go easier. 

Here are some thoughtful and sustainable ways to let go. Without the guilt and without the landfill. 

What Should I Do?

The first step when going about donating or letting go of clothing should be whether or not you should even get rid of the item. 

Quick tips to help you decide:

• Take a Few Seconds to Decide: “Would I Wear/Use This?” 

• Make Piles/Categories:. Donate, Clean/Fix, Recycle/Trash

• Phone a Donation Center: Contact a Local Donation Center for Help with Deciding Trash or Donate

Donating!

Donating is not just about dropping off a bag at the nearest thrift store. You can donate with intention. This includes knowing what can and can’t be donated. 

Professional experience, skills in bold, upper case or not bold, play with boldness to see with.

CAN be Donated: 

Condition: Items should be CLEAN and working. No Mold, bugs, or damage such as fraying wires

Desirable: Would someone want this or even need this? 

Examples:

• Gently used clothing

• Clean shoes in good condition

• Books in good shape

CANNOT be Donated:

Condition: Anything ripped, moldy, broken beyond repair, or unusable. Generally considered unsafe

Desirable: Is this item too old or too specialized to be useful?

Examples:

• Opened or expired food or medicine

• Car seats or cribs past expiration dates

• Old printer manuals that no longer offer support

Additional Tips!

• One Person’s Trash is Not Always Another’s Treasure- Do not Donate in the Hope Someone Wants It, Donate if the Item is Clean and Functional. Avoid Wishcycling. 

• Consider Local Need- Items like Warm Clothing, Bedding, Shoes, etc. Contact Local Shelters for more information or shelters.

Can I Do More?

What if there isn’t a local donation center that may accept what you wish to donate? Or if you want a more direct influence, you can consider other options.

Examples:

•  Look for Clothing Swaps/Trades in your Area

• Create a “Take What You Need” Rack in a Common Local Space

• Host a “Give-Up” Gathering where you Invite Friends/Family to Swap Clothes and Share Stories Behind your Items

Content Creator of the Week: Allie_xcx on TikTok!