How to Green Your Clothing

Jody Morse
Everybody is on a kick to go green right now. If you care about the environment, there is a good chance that you are one of the many people on a green kick. There are so many easy things that a person can do in order to go green. This article discusses some of the ways that you can go green with your clothing.

Green Your Clothing Tip #1: Only Buy Basic Clothing Essentials

If you really want to go green with your clothing, the most important thing that you need to consider any time that you go shopping is what you really need. Although you may want to buy two pairs of pants, seven blouses and a sweatshirt, do you really need this many pieces of clothing? Probably not. The best thing that you can do in order to begin living a greener lifestyle is buy clothing essentials. Only purchasing basic clothing pieces that can be worn at any time is the best way for you to go green.

Green Your Clothing Tip #2: Buy Organic Clothing When Possible

Some people do not even realize that there is such a thing as organic clothing. Buying organic clothing is one of the best ways to green your clothing. Although you may not even realize it, there are so many chemicals and pesticides which are used when it comes to making clothes. Chemicals and pesticides are not used when making organic clothing. There is a good chance that you may end up paying a bit more for organic clothing, but if you are really interested in a greener lifestyle, it is likely that you will find the cost to be well worth it. Give consideration to clothing which is made of materials that do not require chemicals or pesticides, such as bamboo.

Green Your Clothing Tip #3: Don't Throw Clothing Away

One of the best things that you can do is avoid throwing away clothing once you are done with it. Whether you decide to donate it to the Salvation Army or you pass it along to a friend or family member, you will be doing a little bit of something for the environment. Even if going green is not one of your top concerns or priorities, you shouldn't throw out clothing - if it can be perished, that is. Why not just donate clothing out of the goodness of your heart and save the environment along the way?

Green Your Clothing Tip #4: Know What You're Washing Clothes With

Detergents tend to contain more chemicals than anyone really wants to know about. Using the right laundry detergent is one of the best ways to green your clothing. The main thing that you are probably wondering, however, is what you should be looking for when it comes to finding an eco-friendly laundry detergent. Well, biodegradable products which are free of phosphate is the best way to go if you want to go greener.

Green Your Clothing Tip #5: Don't Waste Water and Energy on Laundry

Most people do not even realize what they are doing when they are washing their clothing. It is important to realize that a lot of water and energy is wasted each day by people who wash too many loads. This is why it is so important for you to only do laundry when you absolutely have to. More importantly, you should only do full loads when you do your laundry. Smaller loads tend to be much more wasteful when it comes to water and energy. Whenever possible, you should avoid them if you want to go greener. Another thing that can be done to conserve energy is hanging your clothes on the line to dry.

These are just five of the things that you can do to green your clothing. Going green does not need to be hard. Simple changes, such as switching laundry detergents or donating clothing to those in need, will bring you one step closer to living a greener lifestyle.

Published by Jody Morse - Featured Contributor in Health & Wellness

Jody Morse has a B.A. in English from East Stroudsburg University. As a sufferer of endometriosis, she enjoys writing about women's health issues. She has worked as an assistant wedding DJ, and is dabbling i...  View profile

11 Comments

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  • blancasz8/15/2009

    Using laundry detergents that are green are wonderful, however, people with known sensitivities, allergies, etc. should always read the label for natural oils that they know they have sensitivities to. Most often that green product will have other fragrances, essential oils that are not a problem for that user. Don't give up on green products, just shop smart.

  • tasloi3/3/2008

    While donating clothing is certainly worthwhile, think too about the overall impact of it. Whatever isn't sold is being tossed in landfills because Africa (our old dumping ground) has started being vocal about not wanting the dregs of our leftovers. Really emphasizing step #1 in this article is the way to go. Have you looked at Wardrobe Refashion? They pledge to not buy anything new and instead recycle and make something new out of old things -- primarily things from those donation bins. I like shopping too much to do it, but I'm so glad I've started reading it and thinking more stringently about what I buy. In particular, I'm looking for clothes that are better made and won't wear out so I buy less in the long run. Good job on pointing out the issues!

  • jennybeans11/3/2007

    Fabulous article!

  • Lori Piper10/30/2007

    great article-- all my clothes are donated-- I want to try the bamboo socks

  • Jody10/29/2007

    Thanks for the comments! Donating clothes is always good, not just for the environment, but for those in need as well! = )

  • Kassidy Emmerson10/29/2007

    I donate all my used clothing as well. Very good article!

  • Sophie10/29/2007

    Great advice, Jody. We should all do our bit for the environment.
    Sophie

  • Lisa Riggs10/27/2007

    Excellent! I always pass down or donate my children's clothing.

  • Zac Wassink10/26/2007

    i try to not throw any of mine away

  • Kim Linton10/26/2007

    Excellent advice! :)

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