Living the Green Life

Top Living the Green Life

Environmentally Friendly Fashion

The average US shopper purchases about 53 new items of clothing each year.

Global Fashion Industry

Have clothing that is too big? Have clothing that is too small? Or do you have clothing that just no longer serves its intended purpose? Then now is the time to consider rehoming these items. Start by cleaning out drawers and closets of unused textiles (clothes, towels, sheets) and consider these common ways to repurpose:

Ask – you’ve probably got a friend or family member who might be able to use the item. You may help someone you know, and the item will end up being used and enjoyed as intended.
Trade – organize or take part in a clothing swap. If you gather new clothing for yourself, make sure the item fits both size and lifestyle wise.
Sell – hold a garage sale – you can also use this as an opportunity to thin out other unneeded items in your home. You may also find this option provides a little extra income.
Share – offer items in your local “buy nothing group.” This option helps reduce unnecessary consumer spending and can make you feel good about helping both the recipient and our environment. Learn more from The Buy Nothing Project.
Donate – to a local or online thrift shop. Doing so can help those in need and remember while many donate around the holidays - there is need year-round.
Consign – either locally or online. You may even find that you can recoup some money with this option. Find a shop in your area to get started.

Wonder what to do with items which are too damaged to wear? Those stains and holes don’t mean an item belongs in the trash. As textiles, those fabrics are valuable materials. They may have a different use and purpose – but they are still very useful and purposeful. First, make sure the items are clean and oil and odor free. Then, take them to a local recycling location. Make sure to call first to know what items are collected.

When you’re looking for something new, take a moment to consider what will best meet your needs. Choosing items you will use and enjoy for years to come, rather than choosing what is trending, can help you get the most value from your purchases. If you are shopping for something specific, consider checking secondhand markets first.

DEC’s website provides additional information on textile reuse and recycling. Learn how to Recycle Right New York.

Did you know that?

Repairing and maintaining clothes helps reduce the demand for new materials. Find out how to Get Started with Reuse and Repair.
Inventorying your closet (there are apps for this!) and knowing what you own helps prevent duplicate purposes and decreases greenhouse gas emissions associated with manufacturing new garments.
Shopping secondhand rehomes clothes and extends a garment’s useful life.

Be a Friend of the Environment

Meeting “Midway” – Perhaps you are going “midway” across the state to Syracuse this summer to the “midway” at The Great New York State Fair. If so, be sure to check out offerings from DEC such as the opportunity to subscribe to the Conservationist magazine and don’t miss your chance to win a kayak! Complete a short survey to be entered into the drawing. No purchase is necessary, but you must be 18 years or older and live in New York State to be eligible. The Fair runs from August 26 through Labor Day, September 7. Learn more about DEC at The Great New York State Fair!

“Happy Birthday to You “…Smokey Bear! – Attending an upcoming DEC event? On occasion you may see Smokey Bear along with our DEC Forest Rangers. If so, wish Smokey a Happy Birthday because on August 9^th back in 1944 this icon of wildfire prevention originated. The best gift you can give is to remember on this day and every day that we should all practice fire safety and prevention. Find out about Fire Safety When Camping.

Use Your (Pool) Noodle and Have a (Beach) Ball This Summer -- Have a blast this summer! Just remember to treat your fun water gear (water wings, beach balls, inflatable lounge chairs, floating pool toys and more) with care so you can create lasting memories year after year! Let’s reduce waste, keep the recycling stream clean, and keep our waterways free of litter by taking the extra steps to fix or properly dispose of these items! Get Started with Reuse and Repair.

The “Purr”fect “Dog Days” of Summer – Did you know that August includes International Cat Day on August 8^th and National Dog Day on August 26? If you have pets and are looking for ideas for Sustainable Pet Care then make sure to book mark DEC’s “Living the Green Life” webpage and visit again us next month. In September’s edition we will provide tips for caring for fish, cats, dogs, and other small animals in a green and sustainable way.

Catch Our Drift and Go Thrift – Shopping thrift shops and tag sales is a great way to promote textile reuse. While helping save resources, you can also save some money by thrifting which promotes value in durability and repairability. Learn how to Get Started with Reuse and Repair and learn more about Textile Reuse and Recycling. Need to fix an item thrifted? Check out a Repair Café when available in your community. Let’s Recycle Right New York.