clothes

Zero Waste Challenge #15: Closet Care

The zero waste challenge I’m undertaking mentions the below tips in relation to taking care of your things, which I’ve put here together since they generally relate to clothing:

  • Line dry your clothes
  • Explore the back of your closet
  • Repair instead of replace

I always line dry my clothes; even growing up we did this. I don’t remember my family ever owning a tumble dryer, and I certainly never have. In South Africa, there’s little to no need and it’s really just a colossal waste of energy and money. It can be useful when the weather gets wet, but we had a lot of rain in Jo’burg this year and I got by just fine without one. I would make allowances for owning one in parts of the country where the climate is damper (like in the Cape), making line drying take forever. But again, I lived in the Cape for many years and did just fine without one.

There is nothing in the back of my closet, as I am quite a neat freak; but if you’re a little messier, who knows what treasures you may find. So do a little spring cleaning before you go shopping for anything new. You might find what you need hiding in the back.

Repairing instead of replacing is another thing I grew up with. If my pants were too long, my mom shortened them (something that happens a lot when you’re short). Loose buttons? Rips? Tears? All were repaired. It boggles my mind that not only are there people who don’t repair their clothing but throw it away. I cannot begin to fathom this. I’ve always repaired my clothes or when I no longer wear them, pass them on to someone else who can use them. Even more shocking is learning that luxury fashion brands burn their stock to maintain exclusivity.

Another great way to ensure minimum to zero waste when it comes to your closet? Buy clothes made from sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics (e.g. linen, hemp, organic cotton). Polyester? Nylon? You’re basically just buying plastic. Even better? Buy secondhand items or have a clothes swap with friends. Best? Buy less.

Read more about the Earth Hero Zero Waste Challenge here.

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