Spring Fling

Here in Virginia, we’re starting to get a day or two of warm enough weather to believe that spring will soon be here!   It’s enough to get the birds building nests, and many people in the mood to spruce up their own nests too.  Now is a good time to fling open your closets and drawers, and get started!

The EPA reports that Americans generate 16 million tons of textile waste a year, equaling just over six percent of total municipal waste.   Because clothing and home textiles make up a lot of that total, it could be one of the first and best things to address when you want to clean up and clear out your household for spring.

Start with something easy, like going through your drawers and closets to pull out old t-shirts, towels, and socks.  T-shirts that hold a special memory for you, such as concerts, volunteer work, or sports teams can be made into a memory quilt from places such as this Etsy Shop in Virginia.  Surplus kitchen and bath towels that are still nice can be donated to a charity that assists relocating immigrants, or worn towels can go to your local animal shelter.

And did you know that socks can help you reduce your carbon footprint? Along with old t-shirts and towels, old socks make excellent cleaning rags.  Simply put them on your hand to wipe fan blades and blinds, or dust railings and shelves.  Upcycling these items keeps you from using disposable wipes and refillable dusting wands, and it saves you money too!

It can be tempting to simply throw away old furniture, clothing, or toys that you don’t use anymore.  But most of these items can be donated or upcycled instead of ending up in a landfill. Drop off clothes, toys, and furniture at Goodwill or other organizations who use your castoffs to benefit others.  Some local charities will pick up your items, which is even easier than hauling them out to the curb. Check out the Buy Nothing Project online community that allows you to post items you no longer want for people come to pick them up – DONE!

Think of how much better you’ll feel once you’ve sorted out some of your excess stuff!  It will put you on the right path to spring with cleaner drawers, closets, and living space, while avoiding the use of disposable items, and giving unused items a second chance to be useful.