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Reduce the clutter in your closet: how you can use your old clothes

Photo: envato

The "zero waste" concept is also moving from bathrooms and kitchens to wardrobes. Here you will find a guide on how to turn old clothes, bedding and fashion accessories into something new and practical.

What is "zero waste"?

Zero waste is a concept that strives for reducing waste, and the ultimate goal is to change the economy from a linear to a circular one. For this to be possible, it is necessary a radical change in lifestyle and the habits of the people. The circular economy imitates natural cycles, where waste materials become raw materials for someone else. This brings the material back into the circle. Zero waste is therefore a rather broad concept, it is a path that leads us towards the rather unattainable goal of absolutely zero waste. The vision of the zero waste movement is to get as close as possible to this goal.

Living according to the concept of zero waste is not easy, but it is very profitable for our future, as well as the future of our planet. We collect waste not only in the kitchen and bathroom, but also in the closet. The fashion industry is one of the biggest pollutants in the world, but it is slowly but surely turning towards sustainability.

Therefore, you should as consumers beware, what we buy and whether we accumulate clothes that we don't actually wear. The concept of zero waste can also be used in our wardrobe, and the first step is, of course, overalls. Take all the clothes, shoes and fashion accessories out of it and determine what you will continue to wear and what could be donated, recycled or repurposed.

Trend: "upcycling" or multi-valued recycling

Old belts as decoration

If you have a bunch of old belts in your drawers or closet that you don't know what to do with, you can use them to make practical holders for many things. Cut them into small pieces that will serve as curtain holders, and if it is strong enough, the strips can also hold shelves on the wall. In addition, the leather belt can be used to make coasters, handles for baskets and canvas bags, or a variety of jewelry such as bracelets, hairpins, or necklaces.

Repurpose old t-shirts and bedding

Tear or cut old t-shirts into smaller pieces and clean surfaces with them in the home, you can also do the same with old bedding. It is only important that shirts and bedding are cotton, because synthetics generate electricity, so dust will fly everywhere.

From T-shirts that are in good condition, but you don't want to wear them anymore, make bags for shopping or storing dry food such as onions, garlic, citrus fruits and the like. You can also use old bedding with an interesting pattern as a cover for decorative pillows or as a bed for animals, and covers for patchwork can be made from several different bed linens.

Socks like dolls

We can also use socks for other purposes, because they are made of them we sew toys, we use them to wipe dust on hard-to-reach places, such as blinds, or we use them to shine shoes. Stuff old socks with old rags and some catnip.

Knitwear in a new guise

If you are good at knitting, make scarves and hats from old knitwear that will make a great gift. You can also use knitting for unique toys that will surely delight the child.

New life for shoe boxes

Shoe boxes are great as containers for a variety of things, not just shoes. With a little glue and gift wrapping paper, turn them into jewelry boxes, work tools, decorative gift boxes or storage containers underwear in drawers.

Boots as flower pots

Turn old boots that you no longer wear because, for example, they have a hole in the sole interesting flower pots. Drill a few more holes for drainage and plant flowers or herbs in them.

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