According to a recent study, the average adult does not wear 50% of the clothes they own. While there are many reasons for this, from changes in style and taste to weight fluctuations, holding onto things you simply do not use is unnecessary, especially when you can make a real difference by donating them.
For example, by dropping your clothes off at donation centers, charities, and thrift stores, you are:
- Providing people with access to clothing they desperately need
- Reducing the global demand for fast fashion
- Preventing waste from being sent to landfills
However, in order to contribute to this positive change, you need to ensure that you’re donating to qualified centers or drop-off points. This ensures that your donations are actually being put to good use, as the companies or charities have clear systems in place relating to how donations are used or distributed.
Read on to find out where to donate clothes moving forward!
Where can I find places for clothing donation near me?
Start with Google/Apple Maps searches
Over the years, the capabilities of online map and route guidance services have vastly improved. This means that you can find local donation spots simply by searching “clothing donation near me” on your choice of app. Not only will this pull up the closest donation spot, whether that is a thrift store or donation bin, but it will also provide you with insight into opening times and more.
Check out a charity’s website
If, when donating, you want to support a cause that is close to your heart, visit that charity’s website directly. This will provide you with information on what you can donate (and where). In some cases, you may be able to arrange for a charity representative to stop by your home and collect donations to take to the store on your behalf.
Following charities on social media is also useful. This is because they may occasionally post call-outs for specific donations, providing you with insight into when it might be a good time to stop by. They will also share information about clothing drives that they are participating in. Beyond this, following charities on social media is a great way to remain engaged and ensure you’re showing your support in as many ways possible, even if you’re unable to donate at the current moment in time.
Stop by a local shelter
Local shelters, such as those for unhoused individuals, often accept donations of clothing and other essential items. However, it is often useful to call or contact the shelter ahead of time to make sure that your donation will be accepted and put to good use.
24 hour donation bins
Donation bins make local donations easier, as you don’t necessarily have to go too far out of your way to drop off donations. For example, you may find that there’s a bin outside your local grocery store, or close to your place of work.
At Eco-Spot, we’ve set up hundreds of donation bins throughout Texas, Utah, and Missouri. Just keep an eye out for our signature blue bins! Alternatively, you can search your postcode on our website to find your nearest drop-off point.
A major benefit of dropping off clothing at a donation bin is the fact that they are technically accessible 24 hours every day. This means it’s a little easier to fit in by dropping something off in your routine.
Ask around
If you’re still unsure of where you should donate your clothing, ask around. Members of your local community may be able to guide you in the right direction. Or, in doing so, you may find someone who is in need and would happily take unused clothing off your hands.
Things to think about when donating clothing
There are a few different things that you should keep in mind when donating clothing. Firstly, you should assess the condition of the clothes. If you no longer wear them because they are damaged, don’t take them to a traditional thrift store or donation center. This is because they are not something that somebody would want to buy or use. Instead, take them to a place where they will be ethically disposed of and recycled (such as an Eco-Spot bin). This is a far better alternative to simply throwing them away, especially when you consider the fact that 92 trillion tonnes of textile waste is produced each year, the majority of which ends up at already over-crowded landfill sites.
You should also ensure that you’re taking the right items to the right places. This is because donation centers may only be able to accept certain pieces or materials. For the most part, you’ll be able to find this information on the organization’s website or social media pages, or at the donation points themselves.
As mentioned above, donating your old or unused clothing, whether that’s directly to a charity or a donation bin, is a great way to make a positive impact on the world around you. Not only that, but it also frees up valuable space in your closet!
While it may not seem that way, every donation makes a positive difference in one way or another. For example, at EcoSpot, donations from people like you have allowed us to:
- Collect 1.4+ billion garments that would otherwise be discarded
- Prevent 10 billion kg of CO2e emissions
- Save 1 trillion liters of water
- Support 100 local communities
As such, it is important to be mindful of the fact that no donation is too big or too small.
Furthermore, it is relatively easy to find a local, registered donation spot, whether you’re using Google Maps or researching charities that you’d like to support. As such, if you have been looking for a sign to clear out your wardrobe, let it be this.
