Did you know that the average American throws out 70 pounds of used clothing each year?
This all adds up to a whopping 11 million tons of textiles being sent straight to the dump, costing millions of dollars in landfill disposal fees.
There are so many other (better) options for cleaning out your closet. In fact, 90 percent of the clothing you drop into the trash is recyclable.
Paving material can be made from the soles of shoes. NIKE actually had a program to create basketball court surfaces from their used shoes. Carpet padding can be made from coats and sweaters. And, home insulation can be created from denim jeans and jackets.
If you're like most people, you follow the "80/20 rule" when it comes to the clothes in your closet: you're wearing 20 percent of your clothes, 80 percent of the time.
What can you do with those items you don't wear?
A great option is to donate to them. Organizations like Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Vietnam Vets are always willing to accept donations. Another organization, Planet Aid, has placed large bins all over the U.S., where you can drop off clothing items, shoes and even toys. They'll even accept really worn or stained clothing. You can go to their website (www.planetaid.org) to find the nearest box near you, simply by putting in your zip code.
With all of these organizations, your donation is tax deductible.
If you're not keen on just giving away items from your closet, there are now numerous websites that make it really easy to sell online. Sites like Threadflip, Poshmark and Twice Clothing all have varying options for selling your used items, with little-to-no hassle on your end. Many of these sites will deposit the money you earn directly into your PayPal account.
You can even sell your used wedding dress or other formal wear online.
To get more great ideas for cleaning your closets, tune in as Lisa Beres, Certified Green Building Professional, joins Andrea to share her top tips for Spring GREENING your closet and making some quick cash on the side.
Health Topics A-Z
Tips to Spring GREEN Your Closet & Make Money
From the Show: Naturally Savvy
Summary: Those old or unworn items in your closet don't have to be a burden. You can even make some cool cash with a few simple steps.
Air Date: 6/17/15
Duration: 10
Host: Andrea Donsky, RHN and Lisa Davis, MPH
Sylvia Anderson
Originally from Minnesota, Sylvia moved to California for the sun, sand and warm temperatures. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in English and Communications, both of which she has put to good use in her work with RadioMD as Senior Editor.
Her past work, including articles, editorials and blogs, has been published nationwide - online and in various print publications.
Sylvia truly believes in taking health seriously! From nutrition and physical fitness to alternative therapies, Sylvia credits her incredible wellness to living a healthy lifestyle. And, as one of the editors of RadioMD, she feels lucky to be able to learn something new about health each and every day.
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