Work towards Clothes’ing the Loop on Textiles this Spring!
The average Canadian buys 70 new pieces of clothing per year. Only half of what is bought is used and the rest is either left unused or thrown out. Textiles, including the fast fashion trend, contribute to over 10 million tonnes of waste in landfill, of which 95% could have been reused or recycled.
Residents can help reduce textiles waste by working towards Clothes’ing the Loop on Textiles. Follow the tips below to get started!
Shop Sustainably
- Explore your closet
- A new outfit can be made by pieces clothing you already own.
- Mix and match items, and participate in capsule closet challenges where you recreate outfits only using 30-40 items for a month or more!
- Share & Swap
- Share clothing and accessories with friends and family
- Host or attend clothing swap parties
- Check out this Clothing Swap Party toolkit
- Try thrifting
- Second hand and vintage clothing can give you a unique style and look!
- Buy durable vs. disposable
- Choose higher quality clothing that will last longer, such as denim and wool!
Care For Your Clothes
- Avoid over washing
- Most pieces of clothing can be worn 3-6 times in between washes.
- Washing only as needed makes clothes last longer.
- Read the label
- Follow the instructions on the label to help your clothes last longer.
- See a tear? Repair!
- Learn skills such as sewing to repair clothing instead of throwing them out.
Donate What You No Longer Need
- Check your home for unwanted textiles
- Are you spring cleaning your home? Consider donating unwanted textiles, such as clothing, bedding, towels and more!
- Donate to local businesses, organizations and/or donation bins.
- Worn & Torn Textiles
- Do you have worn & torn socks and other items? Some places accept these too!
- Socks with holes, under garments and more can be recycled and turned into rags!
- Use the Clothes’ing the Loop Map Tool
- Check out the map tool to help you find local businesses, organizations and donation bins near you!
