MAKE DO AND MEND

A classic expression of my Grandma, often about my Grandad’s socks! Now I’m not saying that you shouldn’t buy new socks when yours get holes in, although perhaps darning is a dying art, but why not look into ways of being creative with clothes that need a little attention. This will make them unique and one of a kind and it may mean that you don’t have to part with your much-loved favourite staple just yet. It’s popular these days to upcycle furniture and all sorts of household items, so why not clothes?

There are so many people to follow on social media that show tutorials on how to mend a hole with a patch or perhaps darn it with an embroidery that adds character to the garment and breathes a new lease of life into it. Search #makedoandmend and start following your favourites for inspiration.

RECYCLE YOUR UNWANTED CLOTHES

Have you ever noticed when you take your glass to the bottle bank there’s often a clothes recycling bank too? Clean clothes and paired shoes can be recycled here but if you’re unsure it usually states what is accepted. It will also tell you which charity is supported by your donation.

Click the link to find a clothes recycling bank near you.

Clothing & textiles | Recycle Now

Keep an eye out in stores too as some offer a recycling or bring back scheme where you can drop off items that you no longer need for recycling.

Where I live we regularly have a donation bag popped through the letter box from a local charity. Why not have a small space in your wardrobe or drawer where you can put garments to one side if you feel you have outgrown them? There’s usually a couple of day’s grace before the charity will return to collect but this way, as and when a bag is dropped through your door, you already have a donation ready and waiting.