With the start of a new decade, we’re looking at ways we can live better. Our focus this year will be on sharing ideas that can help you find more time, improve your environment, or inspire you to try something new.
Have you made your New Year’s resolutions yet? If not, 2020 could be the year you make a few small changes that positively impact your wardrobe, wallet, and the environment.
1. Repurpose
Do you have a favorite pair of pants that don’t quite fit anymore, but you love the fabric and can’t make yourself give them up? Have you thought about having them remade into a skirt or pair of shorts? Repurposing clothing and giving new life to the fabric or its decorative elements is a growing trend. Locally, Jill Andrews Gowns has built a thriving business by re-imagining and recreating vintage family wedding gowns into works of art that are sentimental, yet completely unique to the bride. There are so many possibilities like an old silk blouse being turned into a lovey for a new baby, or a set of ties becoming the trim of a dress. Find a good seamstress and let your imagination run wild.
2. Ditch the Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets and fabric softeners leave a waxy film on laundered items, especially synthetics. This film prevents towels from proper moisture absorption and can cause people with sensitive skin to have reactions. Hang-dry your workout clothes to reduce static. If you must use something in the dryer, consider reusable wool dryer-balls which can be purchased on Amazon. (We’re going to review wool dryer balls in an upcoming blog post to test their effectiveness.)
3. Repair
According to 7Billionfor7Seas, 85% of our old clothes end up in landfills. In North America alone, that amounts to about 25 billion tons per year of textile waste. It’s amazing what a talented seamstress can repair — anything from moth holes in your favorite cashmere sweater to the zipper on your Canada Goose down jacket. Shoe and boot repairs are another great way to extend the life of items in your wardrobe and feel good about keeping them from ending up in the waste stream.
4. Use Your Re-usable Bags
You have to admit that there are some clever and adorable reusable bags that make loading up the groceries or your Target purchases fun. This is an easy one that most of us already implement. Just keep a stash in your trunk and you’ll be ready for that impromptu stop at Wegman’s. At Glyndon Lord Baltimore Cleaners, we’ll be introducing a reusable bag for hanging dry-cleaned garments starting in a few months. More details to come, but it will be one more way to reduce plastic bag waste.
5. Swap
If you love getting together with your girlfriends and need an excuse for a party, plan a clothing swap. The basic concept is for attendees to bring anything in their closet that is no longer being worn or used (clothing, handbags, costume jewelry, shoes), and make an event out of “shopping” your friends’ items. What is the saying, “one woman’s swap is another woman’s treasure”? 🙂 At the end of the party, whatever is left can be donated to a local charity like Ruth’s Closet, who will find a welcoming home for whatever they receive.
