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It’s finally happened: that pair of underwear you’ve had for years is now hanging on by a single thread. It’s time to get rid of them, but simply chucking those old undies and sending them to a landfill can’t be the answer, right? So how can you dispose of your old underwear and bras in an ethical and eco-friendly way? Turns out, there are lots of ways! Read on: we’ve compiled a thorough list of ideas for sustainably disposing of your old undergarments, from donating to recycling to repurposing.
Things You Should Know
- Donate your old underwear and bras to nonprofits or recycling programs.
- Use old underwear as cleaning rags or pillow stuffing, or repurpose them into dog toys.
- Shred and compost underwear that are made of natural fibers like cotton, hemp, or silk.
Steps
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Tips
- Some people recommend tossing out your underwear after 6 to 9 months to avoid contracting infection, but medical professionals have debunked this idea. Clean your underwear thoroughly and with non-irritating detergent, and your undies should be good for a long time.Thanks
- If possible, invest in high-quality, slow-fashion underwear that will last a while. Slow fashion is usually pricier than fast fashion, but the amount of use you get out of a single pair makes it worth it in the long run—both for your bank account and Mother Nature.Thanks
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about upcycling, check out our in-depth interview with Emily Zahniser .
References
- ↑ https://www.eco-stylist.com/6-sustainable-ways-to-get-rid-of-old-clothes-and-shoes/
- ↑ https://www.nrdc.org/stories/purging-your-closets-dont-stuff-all-your-old-duds-trash-bag
- ↑ https://www.almostzerowaste.com/what-to-do-with-old-underwear/
- ↑ https://www.nrdc.org/stories/purging-your-closets-dont-stuff-all-your-old-duds-trash-bag
- ↑ https://www.nrdc.org/stories/purging-your-closets-dont-stuff-all-your-old-duds-trash-bag
- ↑ https://www.almostzerowaste.com/what-to-do-with-old-underwear/
- ↑ https://www.nrdc.org/stories/purging-your-closets-dont-stuff-all-your-old-duds-trash-bag
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7958867/
- ↑ https://www.eco-stylist.com/6-sustainable-ways-to-get-rid-of-old-clothes-and-shoes/
About This Article
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