Do you have clothes in your closet that you no longer wear or don’t fit into anymore? Instead of throwing them away, why not consider upcycling them? What does upcycling mean? Upcycling is taking an item that is no longer in use and giving it a new life. It is simply the act of recycling or reusing something in a way that increases the original object’s value.
Think of it like turning an old cardboard box into a cat house or a wine bottle into a vase. Upcycling clothes is an excellent way to extend the life of your wardrobe and contribute to a more sustainable planet. Let’s dive into the topic more and see what are the exact benefits of upcycling your old clothes.
Benefits of Upcycling Old Clothes
1. It Reduces Textile Waste and Conserves Raw Materials
According to Europarl.eu (2019-202), 79 billion cubic metres of water were used by the textile and clothing industry in 2015. 2,700 litres of water are needed to produce one t-shirt. That’s enough drinking water for one person for 2.5 years! Textile production is estimated to be responsible for about 20% of global clean water pollution from dyeing and finishing products.
By upcycling old clothes, we can reduce these figures. It also reuses materials that may otherwise end up in the landfill in creative and innovative ways – producing original, often one-of-a-kind items from what many consider to be waste.
2. It Reduces the Amount of Water and Energy Needed to Produce New Clothing
The production of new clothing requires an immense amount of water and energy. It takes around 2,700 litres of water to produce a single cotton t-shirt. By upcycling old clothes, you are reducing the amount of water and energy needed to produce new clothing. Upcycling also helps reduce the carbon footprint of the fashion industry, which is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Your wallet will thank you
Upcycling old clothes is an innovative way to save money. Upcycling doesn’t require any fancy equipment or special skills – just a little bit of creativity and some basic sewing knowledge. By upcycling your clothes, you can save money on buying new clothes and reduce your overall spending.
An example of ways to upcycle your clothes includes using a t-shirt to make scrunchies and/or tote bags. The sky is your limit with upcycling.
4. Supports Local Production
When you upcycle your old clothes, you are supporting local production. Many upcycling projects can be done at home or with a local seamstress, which helps support small businesses in your community. By choosing to upcycle your clothes instead of buying new ones, you are contributing to the local economy and supporting sustainable practises.
5. More Unique Items That Others Don’t Have
One of the great things about upcycling old clothes is that you can create something new and unique that no one else has. Fast fashion has made clothing so accessible that it’s easy to end up with the same outfit as everyone else. Due to how affordable fast clothing is and how quickly trends come and go, the increase in clothing consumption has led to a significant increase in textile production. By upcycling your clothes, you can create one-of-a-kind pieces that express your individuality.
6. Creativity Is Good for the Soul
Using old clothing to upcycle can not only be therapeutic, but it can also be a good thing for the soul as well. The opportunity gives you the chance to experiment with different fabrics, textures, and colours, and freshly express your creativity. Through upcycling, you can turn a t-shirt into a headband and a bag. Amazing right?
7. It Helps Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
As you upcycle your old clothes, you reduce the need for new clothing. This in turn reduces the impact of the manufacturing and shipping of new clothing on the environment. By upcycling, you can help reduce not only the amount of energy and resources needed to create new clothes but also the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
Conclusion
Overall, upcycling old clothes is a great way to extend the life of your wardrobe while contributing to a more sustainable environment. Textile waste is reduced, raw materials are conserved, money is saved, and the manufacturing process is localised. Plus, it’s a chance to express your creativity and create unique pieces that no one else has. So next time you’re cleaning out your closet, instead of throwing away your old clothes, consider upcycling them into something new and exciting! Sometimes upcycling won’t be possible and it’ll be necessary to buy new clothes. In that case, the second best choice for you, your wallet and the planet would be choosing second-hand.
For more tips and tricks on how to live a more sustainable life, check out our magazine.
