[Complete guide to disposing of old clothes] Recycle, donate, and upcycle with zero guilt! 6 ways to contribute to the SDGs

Have you ever looked at the old clothes you no longer wear sitting in the back of your closet and thought, "It would be a waste to throw them away?" As environmental awareness grows, more and more people are looking for ways to dispose of them that are kind to the earth and society, rather than simply throwing them away.

In this article, we'll explain in detail the specific ways you can get rid of your old clothes guilt-free. From donating to recycling to upcycling, you're sure to find an option that fits your values.

Reasons for worrying about disposing of old clothes

The reasons people struggle with disposing of old clothes are a complex mix of values and psychological factors unique to modern society. The gap between the feeling of "wastefulness" and actual behavior is what troubles many people. First, let's organize the reasons why disposing of old clothes is difficult.

The reason why people "don't wear it but can't throw it away"

There are deep psychological reasons why many people struggle with disposing of old clothes.

The feeling that "it's a waste to throw away something that can still be worn" is rooted in the "mottainai spirit" that is unique to the Japanese. In particular, expensive clothes or clothes that hold memories are often reluctant to be parted with because they continue to have emotional value even after they have lost their practical use.

Another reason people put off getting rid of things is the vague hope that "I might wear it someday." They continue to store things based on the possibility that they might be worn, without considering changes in body shape or the changing of fashions.

Hurdles for flea market apps and purchasing services

Flea market apps are known as a convenient way to sell items, but there are various hassles involved in actually using them.

From taking photos to creating product descriptions, setting prices, communicating with buyers, and packing and shipping, the entire process requires a considerable amount of time and effort. For busy modern people, these tasks can be a huge burden.

Similarly, the procedures for purchasing services are more complicated than you might think, including prior appraisal, taking the item to the store, and arranging for delivery, so you tend to put it off, thinking, "I'll do it later."

The confusion that people who don't want to throw things away tend to fall into

The more environmentally conscious a person is, the stronger their resistance to disposing of old clothes as garbage.

The fashion industry is said to be the second most environmentally damaging industry in the world, with approximately 100 million pieces of clothing being discarded each year, making it impossible to ignore the impact that our actions have on the environment.

As a result, there is no clear answer to the question of "how can we dispose of it in an environmentally friendly way," and we end up not being able to take any action.

How to dispose of old clothes without throwing them away

There are various ways to use old clothes other than just "throwing them away". By knowing these methods, you can let go of them without feeling guilty, and at the same time contribute to the environment and society. Here, we will explain in detail the specific disposal methods that you can actually take up.

How to use the recycling box

Recycling bins are one of the simplest ways to reuse old clothes.

They are installed in local governments, shopping malls, train stations, etc. throughout the country, and basically any clothes that are not dirty will be collected. The collected used clothes are recycled as textile raw materials into industrial products and insulation materials, so you can definitely contribute to the circulation of resources.

Please note that wet clothing or severely damaged items may not be collected, so it is important to check the instructions on each collection box in advance.

How donations of used clothing can help

Donating your old clothes is a great way to dispose of them, helping to protect the environment and giving back to society at the same time.

Donated used clothing will be sent as relief supplies to developing countries or used at welfare facilities in Japan. In particular, in disaster-stricken areas, clothing support may be urgently needed, and your used clothing will directly support someone's life.

There is also a system in place where the profits earned through donations are used for social contribution activities such as educational and medical support, making it possible to create value that goes beyond the simple transfer of goods.

Creating "new value" through upcycling

Upcycling is a creative way of disposing of old clothing by transforming it into a new product, creating new value.

For example, you can remake an old T-shirt into a tote bag, denim pants into an apron, a suit into a cushion cover, etc. The possibilities are endless depending on your ideas. For people who like crafts and DIY, it is an ideal option that allows you to combine your hobby with environmental consideration.

Recently, the number of workshops and classes specializing in upcycling has increased, creating an environment where even beginners can easily give it a try.

Examples of brand collection in stores

Many fashion brands have take-back programs for their products.

These programs not only ensure that collected clothing is properly recycled, but also have mechanisms in place to encourage continued use by providing benefits to consumers.

Contributing to society by donating used clothing

Donating used clothing goes beyond just disposing of it; it is also a way to contribute to society. By choosing the right donation destination, you can deliver clothing to people who really need it and at the same time contribute to protecting the global environment. Here we will explain in detail the reliable ways to donate and how it works.

How to donate to support groups and their credibility

When considering donating used clothing, it's important to choose a trustworthy organization.

By choosing a highly transparent organization such as a certified NPO or public interest incorporated foundation, you can be sure that the clothes you donate will be used for relief activities. Many organizations publish activity reports and accounting information on their websites, so we recommend checking in advance.

There are a variety of ways to donate, including sending by courier, bringing in items in person, or collecting at affiliated stores, so you can choose the method that best suits you.

How to use kit services such as "Used Clothes Vaccine"

"Old Clothes for Vaccines" is an innovative service that combines donations of used clothes with vaccine support.

By purchasing a special kit (3,300 yen), you can deliver polio vaccines to children in developing countries just by packing your old clothes and sending them off. Each kit provides enough vaccines for five people, so you can dispose of old clothes and help save lives at the same time.

The kit includes shipping costs and the procedure is simple, making it an attractive option for even busy people to easily contribute to society.

The option of donating directly to disaster-stricken areas and facilities

Donating directly to disaster areas or specific facilities is an easy way to see the impact of your support.

However, when making a direct donation, it is important to check in advance the current needs of the recipient. The used clothing you send with good intentions may not actually be needed, so advance communication and coordination is essential.

It is also important to take into consideration costs such as shipping costs and carefully decide whether it will truly be beneficial to the recipient.

How donations flow through Monodone Charity

Using an intermediary service such as Monodone makes donations efficient and secure.

These services match donors with support organizations and suggest appropriate donation destinations. The donation process is as follows:

1. Register for the service and register your donation

2. Proposing and matching appropriate donation recipients

3. Shipping and delivery of donated items

4. Receive a notification of your donation completion and a thank you message

This system allows donors to give up their used clothing with peace of mind and allows aid organizations to receive needed supplies efficiently.

[OLD FLIP Co., Ltd.] Installation of used clothing collection box

OLD FLIP Co., Ltd. aims to create a "society with zero clothing waste" by installing clothing collection boxes in offices and stores, providing a system that allows anyone to easily recycle old clothes.

They also accept shoes, bags, accessories and other fashion items all at once, and are able to handle a wide range of items that other groups would refuse. The company covers the shipping costs, and is increasingly being introduced as a corporate SDGs activity.

You can turn your old clothes that are still usable into money

Used clothes in good condition can be turned into cash if you choose the right method. However, it is important to choose a method that suits you by considering the balance between effort and profit. Here we will explain in detail the main methods of turning used clothes into cash and the characteristics of each.

Advantages and disadvantages of home delivery purchase

Home delivery purchase is a convenient service that allows you to sell your used clothes from the comfort of your own home.

merit:

No need to go to the store

・Large amounts of used clothing can be processed at once

You can carefully consider the results of the assessment

Cons:

Shipping charges may apply.

If you are not satisfied with the valuation, you will be charged a return fee.

Face-to-face negotiations are not possible

If you have a lot of brand-name items or used clothes in good condition, you can make a profit without incurring disposal costs by taking advantage of home delivery purchase services.

Comparison of used clothing purchasing apps and services

There are currently many competing second-hand clothing buying services, each with their own unique features.

The key points to consider when choosing are the range of brands handled, the transparency of the appraisal, the speed of payment, how they handle cancellations, etc. It is important to compare multiple services and choose the one that best suits the type and amount of your used clothing.

Recently, services that incorporate AI appraisals have emerged, allowing for faster and fairer appraisals.

An alternative for those who find flea market apps troublesome

If you want to avoid the hassle of marketplace apps, here are some alternatives:

・Agency service: We handle everything from listing to shipping.

・Bulk sales service: Purchase multiple items as a set

・Store purchase: Cash on the spot

・Consignment sales: The store sells on your behalf

By using these services, you can make good use of your used clothes while avoiding the hassle of using flea market apps.

Mindset for letting go comfortably

In order to successfully dispose of old clothes, not only physical methods but also psychological preparation is important.

By valuing the feeling of waste and learning to let go in a positive way, organizing your closet can lead to a more fulfilling life.

A way of disposing of things while respecting the "Mottainai" spirit

The feeling of "mottainai" is an expression of a beautiful heart that values things. It is important not to deny this feeling, but to channel it in a more constructive direction.

Let's think of giving away old clothes as not "wasting" but "giving them a new opportunity to use." The clothes sleeping in your closet may brighten someone else's daily life or support someone in need.

The value of an object comes not only from owning it, but also from circulating it properly.

The psychological relief you get from organizing your closet

Organizing your old clothes has benefits beyond just saving physical space.

By getting rid of unnecessary things, your choices become clearer and your daily outfit choices become smoother. Also, by keeping only the clothes you really like, you will gain more confidence in your style.

Psychologically, organizing your physical environment leads to mental organization, so organizing your closet can have a positive impact on other areas of your life.

The first step towards sustainable consumption

Proper disposal of old clothes is the first step towards a sustainable lifestyle.

Through this experience, children will acquire more conscious consumer behavior, such as "buying only what they really need," "selecting high-quality items that can be used for a long time," and "thinking about how they will dispose of items before purchasing."

This is also one of the concrete actions that can be taken at the individual level to put into practice SDG Goal 12, "Responsible Consumption and Production."

summary

The reason why people worry about disposing of old clothes is because they care about their possessions and are concerned about the environment. Using the six methods introduced in this article as a reference, you can choose a disposal method that suits your values.

The important thing is to take the first step without striving for perfection. We hope that your used clothes will create new value and become part of a cycle that contributes to the earth and society.

Organizing your closet can help you live a more conscious and sustainable lifestyle.