PROBLEM:

So as most of us are ENSP majors, i’m sure we all know the importance of recycling as much as humanly possible…

But I want to talk about recycling things people will never stop buying no matter how much they care about the environment… new clothes!! Earlier this semester we read an article (written by Luz Claudio) on the industrial-sized toxic and physical waste that is produced ever year simply from discarding clothes or fabric. I was completely dumbfounded and hurt that the United States was responsible for producing that much clothing waste and dumping it in a country less developed than our own.

Reading these unsettling facts and implementing the ” 4-R ” motto to my wardrobe truly made me do a 180 when it came to the life cycle of my clothes. I became more conscious of the impact I would have if i were to just throw these clothes away when i wasn’t feeling them anymore. So I will be listing a couple of easy, simple suggestions/alternatives you could do to increase the life-span of your clothes! (PSA: scissors will be important)

SOLUTIONS

1. Old t-shirts – considering the current time and location in which we live, there’s a simple solution! Just cut them! Crop-tops are probably one of my favorite things on earth and all you need are a pair of scissors to make it happen! Summer is here and so is this 100 degree weather, I don’t think you can have too many casual, pool side t-shirts. (Also global warming is totally a thing&in Texas the heat is present during fall/spring, so basically you will never not need these)
2. Highwater pants – cut ’em & roll ’em … dudes still wear jorts right?
3. Over-used pieces – mix n match !! I have discovered the amazing skill of layering. Put sweaters over dresses, skirts over dresses, and turn dresses into shirts! Just have fun with it and don’t be afraid to throw a couple eclectic pieces together.
4. Make-shift accessories – be creative! use things that weren’t intended for their original purpose! Use a cloth waist belt as a bolo tie, a headband, and a bow!
5. Thrift shopping -everybody is obviously familiar with this one. If you have the urge and necessity to buy something new, do it at the thrift shop!

Super simple, super easy, and super cheap! Gets you in this creative vibe and also makes you feel like you have more options within your wardrobe than you initially thought.