As we write this, we’d normally be saying that the long, hot days of summer are coming to a close and with them, in many parts of the country, the need for summer clothing. The reality of the matter is that climate change may mean that we’re experiencing heat well into the late months of the year. But no matter what the weather pattern is, if you live in a four (or now two) season weather environment, you may be about to go through the annual fall process of packing up one set of clothing and unpacking another. Believe it or not, there are some tips that will help you use this time to improve your budget and carbon footprint!
Tip One: Don’t Get Rid of ANY Summer Clothing
You may think that this is a great time to de-clutter and donate or get rid of old summer clothing. However, like an old friend, if you simply store your summer clothing, next summer you may find that you still want or can use pieces that you were previously going to get rid of. Pack everything away. If you find that you don’t want it when you unpack it next season, you can always donate it or repurpose it then! You may end up saving yourself some money by not having to buy new clothes next season because you held onto pieces at the end of this season.
Tip Two: Don’t Throw Out ANYTHING
If you don’t take our advice on Tip One and decide that you MUST get rid of things, don’t throw them out. Useable items can be donated to thrift stores and unusable items can be used for cleaning supplies or crafts. Even shoes that seem unusable can be recycled or repurposed. It’s certainly easier to just throw everything into a dumpster, but it’s better to find good new uses for things!
Tip Three: Clean and Pack Carefully
If you want to preserve and save your summer clothing so that it will last as many seasons as possible, clean it before you pack it and, if possible, pack it in airtight containers. The longer that you can make your clothing last, the less you’ll spend and the lighter your carbon footprint will be. Packing things away dirty or carelessly may mean that they get damaged during a time when you’re not even wearing or using them!
Tip Four: Don’t Buy Into Fall Trends
We’re not saying “don’t buy anything new for fall!” Those of us who live in four-season climates know that it can be very rare that you don’t start a new season realizing that you need some new clothing, shoes or outerwear items. But buy what you need, not what the media tells you that you need. And make wise choices about what you buy. Everybody has a budget, so buying locally crafted, organic cotton may not be an option for all of us. But opt for reclaimed clothing when possible or brands that are more planet friendly.
Have more tips? We’d love to hear them. Comment below or like us on Facebook to discuss!
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Photo via Flickr Creative Commons: Rubbermaid Products
