blogsteveclark12

[blogsteveclark12]

5 PLACES TO FIND CLOTHES YOU LOVE SECONDHAND

I will preface this post by admitting that I am very much not a fashionista. Before I knew about the perils of fast fashion, I am one of those people whose idea of clothes shopping was browsing the clothes aisles in the supermarket whilst trying to simultaneously placate whinging kids in the trolley and remember what I actually came into the supermarket for. 

So for me, a slower approach to fashion (in the loosest sense of the word) and embracing the world of #secondhandfirst was actually something of a relief. Shopping in charity shops, especially if you have kids in tow, is less stressful to me than the 'big city' and the harsh (cruel) lighting of a changing room surrounded by sylph like clothes horses. 

I can park the kids in front of the toys/books and browse the rails in relative peace. Oh, and I save a ton of cash too, at the same time as I save the planet (and my sanity). Halo officially polished.

Now if you're new to the world of sustainable(ish) you might be wondering what the big deal is about fashion and clothes. Here are some stats to freak you out that quite starkly demonstrate the impact of fast fashion on both people and planet, and if these aren't an incentive to shop for at least some of your clothes secondhand, then quite frankly I don't know what is.

By shopping secondhand we're reducing the demand for raw materials (and the water and carbon footprints associated with them). We're not giving our hard earned cash to companies who may well be knowingly or unknowingly complicit in exploitation of garment workers and child labor. And we're saving clothes from landfill. Another #winwin.

OK, so now you're hopefully convinced about the merits of buying secondhand, what are your options for finding pre-loved clothes you'll love?

YOUR OWN WARDROBE

The average British women hoards £285 of clothes she will never wear.

We wear just 20% of our clothes 80% of the time. The rest just sits there silently berating us for our impulse buys or our weight gain.

So set aside an afternoon to go through your wardrobe. Take everything out, empty your drawers and dump it all on the bed. You will probably be shocked by quite how much there is there. Go through it piece by piece - make three piles: keepers, charity shop, and a mending pile. Be realistic about anything you've not worn for a long time - is it because you're hoping to fit back into it one day? Did you buy it on impulse before realizing it really doesn't suit you or go with anything else you own? Take a look at the keepers - how can you mix and match what you've got together to create different looks and outfits? Get creative!

YOUR FRIEND'S WARDROBES

Have a 'swish' with your friends! Get together a small group of friends (it helps if you're all similar sizes), each have a clear out and then get together for an evening of clothes swapping and maybe a cheeky glass or two of something.  

CHARITY SHOPS/THRIFT STORES

Get to know your local charity shops and thrift shops, and pop in whenever you're passing to cast your eye over any new stock. Go in with an open mind, and also keep in mind what you already have at home, and how any new items will fit into your wardrobe. There's a theory that charity shops in well-off areas are more likely to stock high end items, so if that's your kind of thing, why not test it out!

You can go explore some of the thrift shops in Santa Rosa Beach, FL if you want to find some really good quality pieces.

eBAY

If you're looking for something specific - a particular brand or item - then eBay can be a great place to look. You can refine your search to only include 'used' items, and can search by size, colour and brand.

DEPOP

I confess I had no idea of the existence of this site until it came up in an online search. It all looks very pretty, a bit like Instagram - all the pictures are square boxes mostly with achingly hip people pouting and showing off their clothes. But the clothes are for sale.

[blogsteveclark12]

Ultimate Guide To The Minimalist Fashion Trend

Minimalism is getting trendy! Keeping it simple can do wonder for your peace of mind, your budget and your closet. But what is the minimalist fashion trend exactly? And how do you build a minimalist wardrobe that fits you perfectly? With sustainability being more and more in the mind of consumers, brands are coming up with new ideas to make durable classic pieces that you can combine easily and wear for a long time. And rejoice! Minimalism does not mean boring. Follow a more minimalist approach to fashion and just keep it simple. You can already mix and matches many different pieces together and make various outfits with just a good selection of shapes and colors. Simple fashion aesthetics are good for the eye and the environment. It is a good feeling to declutter your life. Clever lines and clean shapes are gaining popularity for a lot of good reasons. If you are new to the minimalist fashion trend, follow the next piece of advice. Minimalism has to be done well in order to become timeless. Put simplicity first. This is now the motto of many celebrities and designers. Dressing in a realistic way without being too complicated makes it easier to get dressed in the morning. You don't have to stick to one type of colors or shapes, just rotate through them You can begin a minimalist approach to fashion by investing in more timeless pieces, creating a wardrobe with simplicity in mind. Jumpsuits, tees, dresses, shirts, high-waist pants, tunics, blouses, boots,... There is plenty to choose from. Look for your style essentials. Keep your look minimal and original. Minimalism has become a lifestyle. Commit to a minimalist wardrobe. It is easy to start. Sometimes, less is more. Owning less is a good feeling. Trust me! This is a good way to have more purpose in your life, live intentionally and be fulfilled. Follow my definitive guide to the minimalist fashion trend and you will soon reap its benefits.

What is the minimalist lifestyle?

Minimalism puts simplicity at the forefront. No extras, nothing superfluous, you keep only the essentials and live accordingly. Following a minimalist lifestyle, you remove what is unneeded. You learn to rediscover yourself through simplicity. You have then more time, more space for what matters the most to you. Needing less is a good feeling but it is not for everyone. If you are to it, don't be too extreme at first. There is no point in getting rid of everything and throwing it away. You risk missing something of value to you and regret it in the long run. Instead, seek simplicity gradually. And it can begin with your wardrobe. This is a good place to start. With the right ideas, you can start living a more minimalist life today!

What is the minimalist fashion style?

The fashion industry is torn by extremes. On one hand, there is fast fashion and its disastrous impact on the environment and local communities. New, cheap, trendy but easily disposable clothing landing in stores every week. On the other hand, there are expensive collections of Gucci, Chanel, Calvin Klein with strong aesthetic from runway shows that seem inaccessible. They dictate new styles, new trends, prints and accessories that you can find in stores months later. Far away from the extremes, the minimalist fashion trend is gaining popularity rapidly with block colors, clean cuts, simple shapes, and timeless silhouettes. Even new Instagram accounts such as @minimalstreetstyle and @theminimalistwardrobe are on a quick rise by promoting the minimalist lifestyle. The minimalist fashion style is often associated with sustainability, eco-friendliness, being fair and ethical. And that is a good thing. But do not get confused. These are two different things.

To have the most positive impact on the environment and our society, adopt a minimalist fashion style AND shop only pieces that are ethical. This means buying clothes second hand or made from natural, organic or recycled materials, have claims verified by certification standards, and were produced using fair and ethical practices.

If you are looking for shops where you can find good quality secondhand clothes, Consider visiting one of the thrift stores in Destin, FL.

If you are wondering what kind of certification standards you should be looking for, you get a complete overview of eco-friendly textile standards here.

A minimalist wardrobe isn't always sustainable. But sustainable fashion aims to be minimalist, as it reduces the impact of your closet on the environment.

Find out the other simple things you can do at home today if you really want to minimize your environmental impact here

To familiarize yourself with minimalist fashion, adopt a back-to-basics approach. Place only the pieces that matter to you in your wardrobe. Fill it with your staples! Minimalist pieces are stylish yet simple, timeless and versatile. Minimalist fashion is not about being boring or only using shades of gray, taupe, white, ivory or other pale shades. Before anything else, it is about keeping your closet clean and simple. In the minimalist fashion trend, less is more! The minimalist fashion style is ideal for everyday wear. You will dress effortlessly to work, and on vacation. Continue reading to find my best ideas to inspire you.

Is the minimalist fashion trend right for you?

Are you a minimalist? To know if the minimalist fashion trend is right for you, ask yourself if you like to usually keep things simple. Or are you more of a maximalist? If you like things to be kept very simple, you can call yourself a minimalist. If you find yourself going back to basics often, if you value sustainability above everything else, if you like some key pieces in your wardrobe for their versatility, you might be a minimalist. It definitely is a good gesture to want the clothes you buy to stand the test of time. It does a big favor to the planet and your budget. That being said, you don't have to wear the same outfit over and over again. Just keep the essentials in your wardrobe and combine them differently for new looks. If you like your clothes to have longevity and personality, minimalism might just be the right lifestyle for you. Don't worry, the minimalist fashion trend is also beautiful and colorful. All minimalist collections aren't just black and white. But they are all chic and classic. If you want to be minimalist with clothes, it all starts with the choices you make.

How can I be minimalist with clothes?

The minimalist fashion style goes back to basics and keeps things simple. To jump on the minimalist fashion trend do the following.

Go through your wardrobe and only keep the essentials. You want to keep pieces you can combine easily. Classics that don't go out of style that you can wear for a long time.

Make a list of what you like to wear quite often and keep those. Then look for what you can wear it with. Don't be afraid of bright colors or prints. Just make sure that it fits your current lifestyle and that you can pair them effortlessly.

Start with box cuts (for tops and sweaters) and straight silhouettes (for dresses and skirts). A white dress, cream V-necks, gray coats, flat shoes, clutch bags. Light blue denims, sandals, sunglasses, sleeveless tops can all be part of a minimalist wardrobe.

Remember the main goal: get back to basics. Avoid the extras. You want to be able to mix and match everything. To be minimalist with clothes, invest in things that you love. It is totally worth it.

You will have more space and mote peace at the end of the day. I know it can be difficult at first to throw away clothes. Donate or sell them. Somebody else needs them more than you. You will have more time and money with the minimalist fashion style. And you are helping the environment! Cutting textile wastes and your carbon footprint. With your new minimalist wardrobe, you will also have more flexibility. But don't be extreme at first. Start slowly. No need to reduce to your closet to only 10 pieces. The number of items doesn't matter that much. Just make sure you wear all of them.

How do you dress like a minimalist?

Being a minimalist is a complete lifestyle. But the best way to start is with your wardrobe. To dress like a minimalist, remove the extras from your closet and only keep the essentials. Your wardrobe should have a limited number of pieces that you wear regularly. The minimal approach to fashion helps you go back to basics. Wearing timeless pieces that are also stylish and simple. Think less is more. Remove anything superfluous from your closet. Really make a conscious decision about what you want to wear. Lounging at home, at work, on a casual walk or on a trip. Don't aim for the largest number of pieces you can have. Instead, focus on a few key items that you adore. This is very easy to do when you are aware of the benefits it has. It is more ethical, sustainable and eco-friendly. It helps your budget, frees time and space in your life. You will have an easier time making decisions and feel more confident with your choices.

How do you make a stylish minimalist wardrobe?

The first step to make a stylish minimalist wardrobe is to identify your own style. Before you go out shopping for minimalist pieces, you have to make room at home. Make sure to go through your closet and get rid of anything you don't wear. The clothes you wear should make you feel confident and comfortable. To help you separate what to keep from what to throw away, follow our recipe on what clothes to keep here. Don't put the clothes in the trash. The better option is to donate them or sell them. You can even recycle them, or re-purpose them into bags or cleaning rags. Once you have a good overview of what's left in your wardrobe, make a shopping list of what you might be missing to complete your outfits. It's best to know in advance exactly what you are looking for. Make a general note of the type of item you need. You don't have to be too specific with shapes, colors or materials. Of course look for eco-friendly and ethical pieces, made from materials that are sustainable. Prefer durable high-quality items that will last you longer.

Look for clothes that are versatile and timeless classics. These will be the easiest to combine and don't go out of style quickly. Don't purchase anything that feels disposable. Fast fashion is not sustainable. It is responsible for huge textile wastes, high water consumption, toxic chemicals, greenhouse gas emissions. A high-quality garment will most of the time be made by a factory worker paid decently in an eco-friendly way from sustainable materials. To shop for a minimalist fashion style, you have to shift the way you buy clothing toward more ethical and sustainable practices.

Here is the step by step action plan to make a stylish minimalist wardrobe:

1. Make your own fashion style.

Think of your favorite clothes, how you wear them and why. Your personal is made of the pieces you love, your overall feelings and aesthetics. What kind of clothes make you feel confident and comfortable?

2. Get rid of the extras.

Anything that you don't wear hasn't earned its place in your closet. Throw away what you don't need responsibly. And only keep what fits you perfectly. The colors and shapes that you like to wear and nothing else.

3. Identify your needs from your lifestyle.

Go through each situation in your current lifestyle and think of what you want to wear. Be very thorough and critical of what you are really missing. It might depend on the weather, the events you go to or your hobbies.

4. Go shopping for what's missing.

Now you should a clear idea of what to look for. Make sure it flatters your body type, matches what you already own, will last you a very long time. Remember that you will be happier with less.

5. Take care of your wardrobe.

You should have long-term pieces in your closet. Some that you wear every other day. Other on occasion. Make a commitment to avoid trendy pieces. Cycle the clothes based on how your style and needs evolve.

6. Try to not have too much at once.

Keep getting rid of anything you aren't wearing anymore while looking for new items you will love. Keep learning about yourself and become self-aware. You will need new clothes less frequently.

[blogsteveclark12]

8 Easy Ways To Recycle Old Shoes And Clothes

Recycling old clothes and shoes is a great way to reduce the environmental footprint of fashion. It's much more sustainable than throwing them in the trash. Clothing is piling up in landfills at an alarming rate. 16.9 million tons of used textile wastes are generated each year in the United States alone, as reported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). That number is ten times bigger than in 1960 and has doubled over the last 20 years. The average American throws away 70 pounds of clothing every year, according to Euromonitor. More than 80% of all clothing produced ends up in landfills to decompose or burn globally, as reported by the Global Fashion Agenda. And it would be possible to recycle up to 95% of all textiles that end up in landfills every year, according to the Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles (SMART) Association. Thankfully, you can help against this issue by recycling your old shoes and clothes instead of throwing them in the trash. Here are some easy ways to do so.

1. Use recycling programs

Discard your old clothes and shoes responsibly to create a more sustainable future. You can use textile recycling programs from textile businesses or organizations in your area. Many towns, councils, cities, even fashion brands, and retailers have programs in place to collect, recycle, and upcycle used clothing. You can also drop off your old items at the following places that have direct relationships with textile recyclers:

American Textile Recycling Service

Savers

USAgain

Soles 4 Souls

Blue Jeans Go Green

Bra Recycling

Many fashion brands also have take-back programs in place to reuse your old clothes or get them recycled. Some of them are Marks & Spencer, Levi's, H&M, C&A, Uniqlo, Patagonia, The North Face, Reebok, Nike, Adidas, PACT, People Tree, Stella McCartney, Eileen Fisher, and many more.

2. Donate to charities

You can donate old shoes and clothes to for-profit companies that sell your clothing contributions and may redistribute a portion of their profits to charitable causes. You can also donate clothes that are still in good condition to homeless and women's shelters, family service agencies, immigrant support groups, and churches. Blankets, towels, and linens can go to animal shelters in your local area. Make sure to contact them first and ask if they take donations. Research non-profit organizations and charities you can easily donate to on Charity Navigator or CharityWatch. Here are some of the best non-profit organizations and charities to donate your clothes to:

Oxfam

Red Cross

Goodwill

Salvation Army

Planet Aid

Dress for Success

Vietnam Veterans of America

Cancer Research

Marie Curie (UK)

You can also ask the following charities to collect your old shoes and clothes in a house-to-house visit:

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Clothes for Charity

Traid (UK)

Clothes Aid (UK)

Macmillan Cancer Support (UK)

3. Sell your unwanted clothes

You can also sell your old clothes and shoes if they are still valuable. Go to resale shops and thrift stores to earn extra cash from the items you don't wear anymore. Consider donating your unwanted clothes to thrift stores in Destin, FL.  Local consignment shops are also another good option. Selling your unwanted clothing pieces is a very sustainable way of getting rid of them. Just take high-quality pictures and list the items yourself on apps and online marketplaces such as eBay, Poshmark, ThredUp, or Tradesy.

4. Repair the pieces you own

Try to repair and reuse your old clothes and shoes whenever possible, instead of throwing them away. Take better care of the items you already own to extend their lifespan, save money, and protect the environment. You can make your clothes last longer by repairing them to a possible extent. It makes a huge difference in building a more sustainable future. Once you get the hang of it, it's easy to fix broken buckles, holes, loose threads, missing buttons, and snagging zippers. You can learn how to sew and try to fix things first. If you can't repair them yourself, find local tailors and cobblers and develop good relationships with them.

5. Upcycle used items

Upcycling is a great way to reuse your old clothes and shoes. By cutting and sewing used garments and other textiles, you can create new items of higher value. Upcycling gives a new purpose to old items in your wardrobe by making something exceptional and unique. You can preserve the environment by upcycling pre-loved clothes to remake something useful, instead of throwing them away. Upcycled clothing promotes sustainability in the fashion industry. Many brands and designers now focus on using waste to create new pieces of clothing that are more beneficial and worthwhile. Upcycling uses parts of or the entire old garment to make something valuable without breaking it down completely. It also a more efficient process with a lower environmental impact than recycling. You can upcycle your clothing at home without extra machinery and save resources. You can give old textiles an extended life and wear them for a long time.

6. Repurpose old clothes and shoes

Repurposing or downcycling is the process of using old items to create something of lesser value. You can downcycle or shred old clothes, shoes, and other textiles into new useful things. Make clutches, bags, totes, wallets, cleaning rags, pillowcases, or filters instead of throwing old clothes away. You can even shred them into materials for insulation, carpet padding, yarn, and other uses. You can easily give old items in your wardrobe a new use and keep them out of landfills. Try to get creative with your closet before throwing anything in the trash.

7. Swap with friends and family

Swap your used clothes and shoes with your friends and family. You can set up a pop-up store at your house and invite your friends over the weekend. Clothes swapping is now a widespread practice. It's a fun way to refresh your wardrobe and protect the environment at the same time. You can also search for clothing swap groups in your area on Meetup if you don’t have friends in your size to trade clothes.

8. Practice mindful consumption

The most sustainable garment is the one you already own. Reducing your clothing consumption is one of the best ways to limit the amount of textile waste you put out into the world. Buy fewer clothes to cut down the clutter in your closet, save money, and protect the planet. Move away from excessive consumerism to conserve natural resources, reduce pollution, and limit greenhouse gas emissions. Prioritize quality over quantity by investing in clothing pieces that last longer, so you can wear them beyond the season, instead of cheap and trendy high-street fast fashion.

[blogsteveclark12]

How Excessive Clutter Affects Your Mental Health

Mental health is crucial in everyone's life. You can live a happy life if you are mentally healthy. Many people struggle with clutter in their homes but do not realize how it's affecting their mental health. People who have cluttered spaces in their homes have a higher level of stress.  When you stay in a cluttered home, you constantly overstimulate your mind with the junk surrounding you. Overstimulation can negatively affect your memory and cognition skills. A cluttered house can also make you hesitant in inviting your friends over. So what's the solution? Donate your extra items to thrift stores in Destin, FL.

[blogsteveclark12]

20 Sustainable Fashion Tips for an Ethical Wardrobe

One of the best ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle is by changing your relationship with fashion.

Why isn’t fast fashion sustainable?

Because the fashion industry is dirty.

The fast fashion industry uses a huge amount of the planet’s resources. It is the second largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, producing 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2 each year – that’s more than the international aviation and shipping industries combined!

It takes around 10,000 litres of water to produce just one pair of jeans, and fabric dyes pollute waterways, harming local communities and native wildlife. Pesticides used on cotton crops cause major irreversible health risks to those who live nearby.

And it’s not just the production of clothes that’s dirty. 60% of garments are now made from polyester – a figure which has doubled in the last 20 years. When fabrics like polyester are washed, they release micro plastics – a typical 5 kg laundry load releases around 6 million microfibers into wastewater treatment plants that can’t filter them. This basically means that each time we wash our clothes, we’re directly polluting the ocean with plastics.

Because the fashion industry capitalizes on garment workers.

Only 2% of the world’s fashion workers are paid a livable wage. On average it takes four days for a major fashion CEO to earn what a female garment worker in Bangladesh earns in her lifetime.

80% of garment workers are women aged 18-35. They regularly work 96 hours a week with inadequate breaks. Feminist or not, that isn’t right.

Garment workers often have no access to benefits such as sick pay or maternity leave, with many women knowing they will lose their job if they announce they are pregnant. Workers are not allowed to join unions or discuss their rights, and workplace violence and sexual assault is common.

Working conditions in factories are appalling; no ventilation means that workers inhale dust and toxic fumes. Accidents, injuries and fatalities happen often.

Because there are already enough clothes on the planet.

There are enough garments on the planet to clothe the next six generations – how crazy is that!

Around 350,000 tonnes of clothing goes to landfill every year. When in landfill, clothes produce methane as they decompose. Synthetic fabrics like polyester can take hundreds of years to biodegrade.

We should therefore break up with fast fashion because we’ve already got enough clothes!

20 Sustainable Fashion Tips to help you have a clean, ethical wardrobe

So if you’re ready to start your journey towards a cleaner, greener wardrobe, use my sustainable fashion tips to help you!

1. Change your attitude towards fashion

The most important piece of advice I can give is to change how you think about fashion. Fast-fashion companies use marketing strategies to make you feel like you need to buy something new and that you should feel ashamed to wear the same thing twice. Ignore these feelings! They are increasingly using green washing strategies to make it seem like they care about sustainability.

2. Remember that the most sustainable clothes are the ones you already own.

The best sustainable fashion tip is to wear the clothes that are currently in your wardrobe over and over again! I bet you have some items currently in your wardrobe that you’ve completely forgotten about…

3. Repair your broken clothes.

Button come off? Sew it back on. Rip in your jeans? Patch it up. There are YouTube videos for just about everything nowadays, but if sewing real isn’t your thing, send your items off to the tailor to be repaired.

4. Care for your clothes as per the care label.

I know I for one am guilty of chucking all my clothes in the washing machine together, instead of caring for each item as per its label. Wash hand-wash-only garments by hand, not on the ‘hand wash’ cycle on your machine. Avoid tumble drying. Wash your clothes less. These small habits will make your clothes last longer.

5. Up-cycle garments you��ve fallen out of love with.

Add some frills, sequins or embroidery to spruce something up. If you’re a bit more skilled with your sewing machine, try changing hems, necklines or sleeve-lengths. Make yourself something “new” from something you already own.

6. Borrow, lend and swap clothes with friends.

Why not hold a clothes party where everyone brings a few items to swap with each other?!

7. Take part in a challenge

Challenge yourself not to buy any new clothes for a month, the stretch it out to three months, six months, a year. Challenges can help you form a habit quickly. Oxfam’s #SecondhandSeptember challenge is a great start!

8. Before buying, ask yourself if you really need it.

When you come to purchase a new item, ask yourself if you need it and how much you’ll wear it before purchasing. Livia Firth created the #30Wears campaign – ask yourself if you will wear something 30 times before buying it.

9. Buy clothes that are a lifelong investment

Stop buying clothes for a specific occasion; instead buy pieces that you’ll wear again and again. Classics like a pair of great-fitting jeans and a crisp white blouse won’t ever go out of style.

10. Rent clothes for special occasions

This is a fairly new concept to me, but there are clothes rental services that allow you to wear an item of clothing for a particular event and return it afterwards (provided it’s still in great condition of course). Instead of buying something you’ll only wear once, you can rent it instead (often for a much cheaper price too!)

11. Buy secondhand clothing where you can.

Try charity shops, vintage stores and buy online from sites like Depop or eBay. Try to buy clothes as close to your size as possible; whilst it’s great to choose larger items that you can take in, remember that the item might be the perfect fit for someone else. You can also visit the thrift stores in Lebanon, TN if you want to purchase secondhand clothes of good quality.

12. Research how ethical manufacturers are before purchasing from them

Use the Good on You app to see how ethical a brand is before purchasing. Think about how they source their materials, how they treat their workers, and if they use animal products in the manufacturing of their clothes.

13. Buy from brands who openly share the details of their supply chain.

Question who made your clothes: how fairly were they paid? What are the working conditions in the factory like? Are they allowed to join workers unions to defend their rights?

14. Ask brands questions if you can’t find the answers.

Most brands will openly share the details of their ethics on their website, but when you aren’t sure, send them an email or a DM to ask. If they have nothing to hide, they’ll provide you with an honest answer. OrganicBasics have one of my favourite websites for transparency.

15. Don’t be greenwashed

As mentioned at the start of these tips, many brands have realized how popular the sustainability demand is, so are creating clothing lines to appeal to the green-minded shopper, while still using pollutive materials on other product lines and underpaying their garment workers. This is greenwashing. We see you H&M Conscious, Recycled PLT, Topshop Considered, Primark Wellness, Zara Join Life…

16. Choose garments made from recycled fabrics.

Choosing recycled materials is becoming more and more popular which means more and more brands are releasing lines of clothing made from recycled materials. Some of my favorites are Patagonia, Tala and Organic Basics.

17. Choose clothes made from plant-based fabrics such as cotton, linen, hemp and bamboo.

These materials will degrade much easier than plastic-filled fabrics.

18. Prioritize organic materials.

Wherever possible, choose organic cotton. Choose GOTS certified labels to minimize supporting the use of pesticides in farming.

19. Avoid plastic-filled fabrics

Materials such as acrylic, polyester, nylon, elastane, polyamide and polyurethane are made from oil (a fossil fuel) and turned into plastic before being woven into fabrics for clothing.

20. Never ever throw old clothing in the bin.

Clothes that are discarded in your household waste will end up in landfill. Wherever possible, try not to throw items away, instead try to repair, swap, or sell your once-loved garments to someone else who will love them. Donating should be a last resort; many donations that don’t sell within a month are shipped off overseas and can end up in landfill. This is a really important sustainable fashion tip!

[blogsteveclark12]

How To Dress Sustainably (And Stylishly)

No offence to Eco-fashion warriors, but hemp overshirts and wicker onesies are not a good look. We don’t much like rummaging through dumpsters in the name of freeganism, either. On the other hand, we’re not overly keen on the irreversible destruction of the planet just so we can keep up with the latest trends in #menswear. 

According to waste advisory body WRAP, more than 350,000 tonnes of clothes were sent to landfills in the UK alone in 2016. Dying garments to the season’s trending shade is the second biggest polluter of water globally, dumping dyes, inks, bleaches and minute fibres into the water cycle. And, according to The World Wide Fund for Nature, it can take up to a staggering 20,000 litres of water to produce just one T-shirt and a pair of jeans. Sobering stuff for next time you casually add to basket.

“Each morning when we wake up and get dressed, we can effect change,” says Orsola de Castro, co-founder of the Fashion Revolution organisation. “Just thinking, becoming more conscious, is a step in the right direction.” Thankfully, there are ways to remap your sartorial habits without going on an extreme menswear diet. Here’s how to (figuratively) turn your wardrobe green. Please dress responsibly, but stylishly.

Stop Wearing Plastic

“Over half of the clothes binned in the UK are plastic-based,” says Ian Samuels, commercial director of historic menswear brand E Tautz. “Our consumption is off the charts, and it can’t continue.”

Before buying a garment, check its label for polyester, acrylic or nylon – all of which are just fancy names for plastic. Where possible, stick to pieces made from pure natural fibres such as cotton, linen and wool – remembering those that are made from just one fabric will be easier to recycle.

One of the biggest leaps in sustainable manufacturing is Lyocell (sometimes called Tencel) – a relatively new fabric made from wood pulp that has minimal environmental impact and is fully biodegradable. It’s similar to cotton in that it’s lightweight and breathable, making it ideal for tees and shirts

Choose Looks That Are Trend-Proof

No man is an island, and staple pieces on their own aren’t going to be a silver bullet for your inner sartorial spendthrift. What you need to look out for are tried-and-tested outfit combinations that look cool but won’t date.

“Choosing good quality staple combinations is the key to having a sustainable wardrobe,” says men’s style writer George Nicholson. “Invest in outfits like a leather jacket, a quality white T-shirt and a pair of selvedge jeans, and you won’t need to replace the foundations of your wardrobe every year.”

Yes, the high street may be able to quickly knock up handsome wares that give you change from a tenner, but for the planet, the cost is way higher with CO2 emissions from the fast-fashion cycle expected to reach 60 per cent by 2030.

As well as staple pieces, staple colors should also be a point of focus. Neutrals and versatile shades of navy, black and grey offer up the most styling combinations – maximizing on the magic cost-per-wear formula.

Buy Fabrics That Are Hard-Wearing

If you’re going to buy clothes (and you’re here, so we’ll assume that you are), the easiest way to reduce your great, hulking human footprint is to take an interest in what they’re made from.

Beyond avoiding difficult-to-recycle fabric blends, the other thing you can do is shop for pieces that are hard-wearing. For example, a real leather jacket will set you back further than an imitation number, but the former will be trucking long after the latter has peeled and cracked beyond recognition.

Consider also the natural properties of fabrics. Merino wool, for example is anti-bacterial, so requires fewer washes after wear, which will in turn extend its shelf (or rather, wardrobe) life.

Buy Second-Hand 

It’s often said that the most sustainable clothing is already in your wardrobe, but sometimes it’s hanging up in somebody else’s, waiting to be re-sold.

Use second-hand and resale sites such as Depop (great for sportswear and all things nineties), Grailed (full of cult brands and rare finds) and Vestiare Collective (for authentic high-end designer pieces) to shop without guilt.

Keep a flexible tape measure to hand at home to size up garments you already own, so that you can compare them to items for sale.

You can also check out the thrift stores in Lebanon, TN if you want to buy pre- loved clothes.

Repair Your Old Clothes

The saying ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ holds real water in menswear. But so too should ‘If it’s broke, fix it.’

“Most of us don’t think about mending a pair of jeans that have ripped at the crotch, or a jacket sleeve that’s been nibbled at by moths, but it is worth it,” says Lucinda O’Connor, founder of Clothes Doctor.

Make acquaintance with your local seamstress or dry cleaner, or use an online service such as the Clothes Doctor which will collect your damaged clothes and return them as good as new.

[blogsteveclark12]

How Your Wardrobe is Affecting the Environment

The fashion industry is responsible for the emission of greenhouse gases on a large scale. Fast fashion has caused people to throw away clothes after a few wear only. This has led the clothes to end up in landfills. So what changes can you make in your wardrobe to reduce carbon emissions? You can reduce the emission by shopping for gently used items. You can think of reusing and recycling your existing clothes instead of buying new ones. You can donate your clothes to a thrift shop in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. 

[blogsteveclark12]

9 Ways to Make Your Clothes Last Longer

1 | Buy well-made clothing

Buy well-made clothes with the idea that they’ll last a long time and the plan that you’ll take good care of them. High-quality clothes may cost more than other brands to purchase, but you can save money in the long run because you don’t have to replace them as frequently. You’ll be saving money and reducing material waste and consumption.

Some signs of high-quality clothing:

The material is not sheer or see-through.

Loose stitching and loose seams. Pull at a seam to see if it comes apart. Tighter stitching is better.

Material and patterns match at the seams.

Hems are finished versus raw (a common style nowadays)

Covered zippers and buttons.

Buttons are securely sewn on. They’re not loose needing reinforcement.

Lining in the inside of jackets, skirts, dresses, and pants.

Fabric content. Many people prefer natural fibers such as silk, wool, and cotton versus synthetic fibers such as polyester. This can be a matter of personal preference.

2 | Rotate your clothing

Rotating your clothing means switching them out whether by day, month, or season. You’re not wearing the same clothes too frequently. This allows them to rest between wears.

It sounds silly that clothes should need to rest. But being worn exposes clothes to dirt, body oils, friction, and other wear.

This is hard if you’re like me and have some favorite items you want to wear every day. How do you implement this?

Set a certain number of days between wearing the same item or allow only 1-2 wears of an item per week.

When you wash the clothing, newly washed clothes go to the back of the clothes or the bottom of a drawer. You then wear what’s in front of the closet or the top of the drawer.

Plan your outfits so you know don’t overly rely on one piece of clothing.

Buy two of the same item that you like so one can rest while the other is worn.

Having multiples of items can cost more upfront but will keep both items lasting longer. This is very helpful for shoes, which benefit from airing out between wears.

3 | Change out of your outside clothing when you get home

Do you wear a dress shirt and pants for work? Take them off when you get home and take care of them right away.

Treat any items that got dirty or stained. Hang up items that are still clean. Change into home clothes that you don’t mind getting worn like loungewear.

4 | Store your clothes with care

Storing your clothes properly will help them last longer too.

Some clothes do best folded. Sweaters and knitwear get shoulder bumps and stretch out over time when stored on hangers.

The weight of the fabric pulls the sweater downward, which leaves it misshapen. Fold sweaters neatly and store them on a shelf or in a drawer to help them maintain their shape.

5 | Handwash & line dry

Handwashing clothes is great for items such as delicate sweaters and items with beading or fancy embellishments. Check the care tag before attempting to handwash an item.

Some will say to handwash the item and reshape it to dry. If the item is too delicate to wring dry, I’ll gently roll it up in a big towel to remove excess water and then lay it flat to dry.

6 | Wash clothes less often

Have you ever washed a new shirt for the first time only to have it come out looking worn? I had a new sweater pill on the first wash before it was ever worn! Even one wash starts to wear out your clothes.

The lint catcher in your dryer is evidence of this too. While there may be actual lint and pet hair in it, there are also fibers that have come off your clothing.

Most outer clothing such as pants and shirts don’t get very dirty from one wear unless you’re sweating in them. Try wearing them a few times before throwing them in the wash.

7 | Mend holes, seams, and pulls

A stitch in time saves nine, so mend your clothes sooner rather than later to keep them wearable. Use thread that matches the color of your item and sew up holes following any seam that is already present.

It may take a few tries to look good if you’re new to sewing, but the stitching likely won’t be noticeable if it’s a small hole in a less noticeable spot like the armpit.

You can often reattach sequins and other embellishments with a few stitches, making an item presentable again.

If you have a pull in your clothes, a small repairing tool can is handy to fix it. This is a lifesaver when you find your clothes getting caught on things all the time!

8 | Repurpose your clothing

Old clothes can be put to new uses by repurposing them. Items with small stains or light wear can become pajamas, loungewear, gardening clothing, or clothes for deep cleaning the house.

A few other unique ways to repurpose clothing:

Cut jeans making them into shorts

Turn old socks into heating pads or scented sachets for drawers

Make a quilt out of old sweatshirts

Make clothing, jeans, and ties into small pouches

Create a braided dog toy out of old t-shirts

9 | Be creative!

Be creative with what you can do with your clothes. My friend once had a stain on the front of her shirt. She’s artistic, so she drew a scene on the shirt and kept wearing it! I wouldn’t have even known there was a stain except that she told me when admiring her drawing.

Tie-dying is a popular trend with clothing right now. Tie-dying can also hide discolorations and fading on old clothing. And now you’re in fashion again!

You can shop at a thrift store in Panama City Beach, FL if you want to try repurposing and upcycling your clothes.

[blogsteveclark12]

12 Things to Buy Used If You Want to Save Money

1) Clothes

Buying used clothes in one of the easiest ways to save money. I’ve found thrift and second-hand stores to be great for finding casual weekend wear and business casual clothes.  

I can’t tell you how many Banana Republic and J. Crew items I see every time I browse the racks. Some people might think that only old, worn, unfashionable clothes are found second-hand but that’s not true.

Related items worth buying second-hand:

Designer clothes and purses – Designer clothes are expensive. Let someone else pay the bulk of the cost by buying them retail first. Then you can save by buying second-hand. Just be sure to read up on the difference between counterfeit and authentic products to ensure you get the real thing.

School uniforms – Some schools that require uniforms (e.g., Catholic schools with plaid skirts), have programs for parents to sell their children’s old uniforms. Many children will outgrow their clothes while they’re still in good condition.

2)  Wedding dresses

Most women wear their wedding dress for one day and maybe only a few hours at that, so it might not make sense to spend a few thousand on a dress.

You can get one for much less than retail if you’re open to wearing a used one. Most sellers are willing to negotiate too because they really want to sell, so negotiations favor the buyer.

Take a good look at the website’s and seller’s return policies before purchasing. Many times there are no refunds.

Ask lots of questions and ask for more pictures if needed. If you can, try on the style in a store first to be sure it’s the one and then buy it second-hand.  

3)  Jewelry

Fine jewelry is another area where resale prices are often much lower than retail. You can even buy an affordable engagement ring second-hand.

If you’re a fan of vintage or antique pieces, you can find beautiful pieces in styles that aren’t even made anymore. Shop at local jewelers, estate sales, and online for the best finds.

4)  Baby items

Babies grow quickly and often outgrow their clothes and toys before they’ve gotten much or any use. I’ve seen lots of children and baby clothes still with tags on them at the thrift stores.

And it’s not just clothes too. Toys like play mats are quickly outgrown too. Check out online parent groups for listings.

5)  Toys & Games

Having stepped into the houses of friends and family with young children recently, I’ve been blown away by the number of toys they have. Livings rooms and bedrooms full of toys, more than the children can reasonably play with. Those toys and games end up as donations to the thrift store or offered at garage sales.

My favorite thing to buy is puzzles, but I’ve seen plenty of games like Operation and Chutes and Ladders on shelves too.

I avoid plush animals because goodness knows what’s on them. Anything that looks in good condition and can be wiped down with sanitizer wipes is fair game

6)  Books & Textbooks

Anyone who has been in school and had to buy their own books knows that textbooks are expensive. I remember having to budget several hundred dollars each semester in college just to be sure I bought all the books I needed.

I bought second-hand where I could, rented, and even borrowed a few. I didn’t matter if a book was a slightly older version as long as I could get the same information and do the homework.

If you need the book in your profession, it might be worth buying a new copy to keep. Otherwise, go second-hand and sell it when you’re done using it.

For other books, try the public library. You can borrow books for free or buy used books there for cheap. I borrow everything and only buy a book when I know I’m going to read it over and over again.

7)  Furniture

If you’ve tried to furnish a home with furniture bought at retail, you know how expensive it can be. Thankfully, some people barely use the furniture they buy.

Maybe they decide to redecorate or they are moving and have to sell. I once came across computer chairs from an office that was closing.

Another easy way to get second-hand furniture is to ask friends and family for whatever extra they have. I’ve always tried to get furniture with fabric like sofas from people I know.

If you’re getting furniture from strangers, take a look at the item and make sure the person’s place is clean. You can’t be too careful about bedbugs and pet dander.

8)  Bicycles

Like with many of the other items on this list, bikes are expensive new and depreciate in value once out the door. Many people buy bikes with the intention to ride them for exercise or fun and don’t use them much at all.

My partner got his used bike on Craigslist and loves it. I got mine as a hand-me-down from family. Unless you’re a serious bike enthusiast, a used one may work just fine for you.

As sad as this sounds, bikes are a major target for thieves in San Francisco. Save yourself the headache of being a more obvious target and having a new bike stolen by getting one that’s second-hand. If you want to save even more money, try biking instead of driving to work or for running errands.

9)  Cars

We’ve all heard that cars depreciate significantly once off the lot and most of all in their first year. Buying a used car makes sense then, especially one that’s been well-maintained. Just make sure to do your research by checking a car’s value and having it inspected before purchasing.

10)  Kitchen items

There are a lot of kitchen gadgets out there that people don’t use. The mixer that was a wedding gift but now sits at the back of the cabinet. Or the blender or crock pot that goes unused. My nearby Goodwill is full of plates and cups. Sometimes are pretty and come in full sets too.

11) Seasonal decorations

Seasonal decorations are just that, seasonal. How much do you want to spend on things that are on display for about 4 months of the year (or packed away for the other 8)? And while decorations are pretty, they don’t do much but sit around the house and look pretty.

So when I want to decorate my place, I shop thrift stores or ask family for items they’ve collected but don’t use anymore. It’s easy to replace decorations yearly too when they cost only a few dollars.

12)  Athletic gear & workout equipment

Many of those items were still in good condition by the time we stopped playing a sport or outgrew the equipment. We’ve also known people with treadmills and stationary bikes that went unused.

Some final tips:

Do your research before purchasing. Sometimes second-hand isn’t cheaper than new.

Negotiate on price. Buying second-hand usually favors the buyer unless it’s a hot item. A potential buyer can always walk away if the price is not right, but a lot of sellers will agree to a lower price because they want to get rid of an item.

If you’re meeting someone in person off Craigslist or a similar site, meet in the daytime in a public place.

The more specific you are about something that you want, the longer you’ll have to wait for it. There may be a lot of black dresses out there, but you’ll have to wait or search more to find a fit-and-flare black dress with a waist tie and lace detail in your exact size.

If a deal is too good to be true, it probably is.

Nowadays, when I come across something I want, my first thought is whether or not it’s available and worth it to buy second-hand. I’m always happy when I do buy something used and it perfectly fits my needs.

I’ve saved hundreds if not thousands of dollars over the years by buying second-hand items. I can’t wait to save more in the future by doing the same and hope you do too! Check out the thrift store in panama City Beach, FL if you want to purchase gently used items.

[blogsteveclark12]

Donating responsibly: The sustainable alternative

Whether we want to declutter our wardrobe or lessen our waste, donating our unwanted clothes is seen as an easy fix. Donating clothes can also be a great way to help people who can’t afford to buy clothes, or to help and support charities.

But donating isn’t always what it seems to be, and the clothes you donate often get sent to landfills, or end up in textile manufactures. The textiles are then shredded and are transformed into scraps to be used in other industries. Even though this is a way of recycling the clothes, the scraps cannot be recycled or reused after this, making it a closed-ended cycle.

Most people aren’t aware of the faulty side of donating, but some companies are making it easy and affordable to give your clothing a second life. So if you are donating clothes with the goal in mind to help charitable causes, you could make a bigger difference by donating responsibly!

Donating clothes when decluttering your wardrobe is an easy way to give your garments a second life. But it can be disheartening when you learn that the items you have loved and cared for will maybe be dumped in landfills. This might stunt your progress in letting go of clothes you have no use for anymore. Consider donating your clothes to thrift shops in Lebanon, TN if you want that your clothes are reused and does not end up in landfills.

[blogsteveclark12]

Decluttering your wardrobe sustainably: Tips and advice

There is a misconception that changing your lifestyle to be more sustainable is quick and easy. But when we realize that it can take more than a couple of days, and a couple of tries, it might feel discouraging and out of reach.

But don’t give up! There are many small steps that are easy to make and that will lead you in the right direction. Tackle one thing at a time, and give yourself space to find out what works for you.

 For example, when looking into making our wardrobe more durable and sustainable, decluttering our closet can be the first step. We only use about 20% of the clothes in our wardrobe regularly, so why not reduce the number of clothes we own and keep the things we really love, while giving the rest of our clothes a new life?

Making your wardrobe sustainable, and decluttering it responsibly can take many different forms. From taking care of the clothes you own and upcycling them, to selling, renting or lending the clothes you don’t wear as often… Here are some tips to help you get the best use out of your wardrobe.

MENDING AND UPCYCLING

 “A stitch in time saves nine” — literally! Mend something as soon as you see it, even if it’s just a tiny hole or a small fray. It’ll keep it from growing into a bigger problem later.”

And even if sewing isn’t really your thing, having visible mends on your garments is not an issue, “embrace visible mending— you don’t need to hide the imperfections in your clothes, you can highlight them!”. Whether it’s a patch of fabric on a top or an iron-on patch on your jeans, be proud of the clothes you’ve worn to bits.

You can also revamp clothes that you haven’t worn in a while or that have stains by embroidering them and reinventing them altogether. Lily told us that she believes that “there’s no one right way to do something— it’s just important that you do it!”. So grab your needle and thread!

TAKING CARE OF YOUR CLOTHES

If you are not too keen on DIY or the clothes you want to repair are too far gone, or seem too complicated for you, a great option is to go to a tailor or to a platform that will alter, repair, refresh or clean your garments.

 It’s important that you take care of the clothes you decide to keep, to make sure they last as long as possible. Clothes Doctor and Blanc are two platforms that Save Your Wardrobe works with; a repair/tailoring platform, and a dry-cleaning company, respectfully. Using the right products on your clothes is essential to make them last longer.

Caring for your clothes is like caring for the planet. Blanc is one of the eco-friendly companies that offer environmental and human considerations in their services. They provide tailored dry-cleaning services to extend the lives of your garments.

Clothes Doctor is another service that takes care of your clothes. They specialize in repairs and tailors. They also sell care products for your wardrobe so that you can learn to take care of them properly at home.

SWAPPING YOUR CLOTHES

If you start feeling bored of your clothes and feel as though you’d like to get a new look, buying new clothes isn’t always the best option. Buying retail creates a lot of waste, and ultimately creates another garment that will have to be discarded one day. 

Swapping and borrowing clothes from people you know or that feel the same as you is the best way. You can organize a clothes-swap with your family, friends or colleagues, and this ensures you that your clothes go to people you know and love.

A bonus point you get with clothing-swaps is that the clothes, having been worn and washed before, have already shrunk and stretched to the size they get to after buying them in retail – so no bad surprises about them! This is also an alternative if you prefer knowing who your clothes belonged to before.

CLOTHES RENTAL

Renting and lending your clothes is a great alternative to donating, selling, or buying clothes. If you own clothes that you haven’t worn in a while, but can’t seem to let go of, you should look into renting them out. Renting is a way to allow other people to enjoy the clothes you are not wearing anymore, without having to say goodbye to them forever. 

It allows you to make a little extra cash all the while helping the community stay sustainable, as the person that borrows from you does not have to buy a totally new garment in order to enjoy a new style – lessening their impact and waste.

If you have a date or an event for which you have no appropriate clothing, renting allows you to branch out of your fashion style, without needing to commit to a garment you would otherwise purchase and wear once or twice. By Rotation is a platform that lets you both rent other people’s clothes and put up your own for rent, for however long and for whichever price you think is reasonable. It’s easy and accessible to all.

SELLING YOUR CLOTHES

If you are indeed ready to let go of a piece of clothing, you can use a platform to sell it to people that want it. You can always sell it to people you know if they are interested, but otherwise, platforms like Depop make it easy to sell (and buy) used clothes. 

It is extremely flexible, and you get to fix the price you want for your garments. Like the clothes rental platforms, it creates a community of like-minded people that want to freshen their wardrobe without adding to the waste made by the industry.

DONATING RESPONSIBLY

Donating your clothes is also something you could consider. It might feel as though this is the easiest option, because it doesn’t always require an app or a platform, but it can be tricky to get right. 

Many of the clothes that are donated end up in landfills, or in textile manufactures. In these manufacturers, the textiles are turned into scraps that cannot be recycled. Even though it might seem like a good option, it’s important to know where and how to donate.

Donating is a great option, as long as you do it mindfully and responsibly. Don’t let the good intention of donating your clothes be ruffled by a somewhat flawed system. You can donate your items to thrift shops in Lebanon, TN.

BUYING RESPONSIBLY

Renewing the clothes in your wardrobes can be done without buying new clothes, as discussed above. But if you do want to buy new pieces, some platforms make it easy to buy sustainable clothing.

Another option is buying from sustainable and ethical sources. Springkode is a platform that sells unbranded clothes straight from the manufacturer. Not only do they use leftover fabrics, but it is 100% transparent and you know where your clothes actually come from. This upcycling platform is a way to buy clothes, without forgetting the human and environmental side of the fashion industry.

[blogsteveclark12]

THREE WAYS TO GIVE BACK THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

The holiday season is a time when people come together to celebrate and help each other. This year might be a little different. Some might not be able to spend the holidays with family and friends, but you can still give back.

There are families in your community who need your help. The pandemic has left some people unemployed and families struggling to make ends meet. There are plenty of ways that you can help those in your community have a joyful holiday.

DONATE FOOD TO A LOCAL FOOD BANK

When you think about celebrating the holidays, you typically think about gathering around a table full of food. For some families, this is not possible due to their budgets. Feeding America estimates that one in six people could face food insecurity in 2020 due to the pandemic.

One way to help those in your community have food is by donating food to your local pantries. These organizations collect food to help feed families across the city. Here is a list of food pantries where you can drop-off food donations.

DO VOLUNTEER TIME

For those looking to give back in a more direct approach, try volunteering. There are lots of organizations around this time of the year that are looking for volunteers. Some volunteering can be done virtually or in-person, depending on the organization.

DONATE YOUR UNUSED CLOTHES AND FURNITURE

Declutter your closet and give back to your community by donating your unwanted items to local thrift stores. These stores collect clothing, shoes, furniture and other items and sell them at affordable prices.

On top of that, some thrift stores are partnered up with nonprofits/charities to collect clothing. For every item donation that you make, thrift stores pay those charities that collect the items. By donating, you are helping fund local programs and services.

If you are looking for a place to donate your unused items, consider donating to the thrift shops in Destin, FL. 

[blogsteveclark12]

SIGNS YOU NEED TO DECLUTTER YOUR HOME

It can be a struggle to declutter your home. Having to sort out through all the things that you have accumulated over the years can be time-consuming. However, taking the time to organize your house can benefit you in the long run.

WHY SHOULD YOU DECLUTTER YOUR HOME?

Getting rid of unused things can boost your productivity and mood. A study found that 80 percent of people feel more relaxed in a clean space and 72 percent feel more productive. Then decluttering your home might be worth the hassle.

With some people working from home, it can be challenging to stay productive. Cleaning your space before starting your shift can boost your productivity. Psychology Today states that clutter causes people to get distracted.

Along with feeling distracted, clutter can also cause you to feel anxious and stressed. When things are unorganized, you could feel scattered. Learning when you should declutter your home can help avoid feeling overwhelmed.

SIGNS YOU NEED TO DECLUTTER YOUR HOME

You can never find what you are looking for.

There is no bigger pain than having to search high and low to find what you are looking for in your home. The reason why it seems you never find anything is because you have too much or you shop without a purpose. If this has occurred to you more than once, it is time to get rid of some things.

You are starting a new job.

There is nothing more exciting than starting a new job. Whether you are a recent college graduate or moving to your next career, you need a wardrobe that fits the role. You need to reevaluate your wardrobe and make sure your current clothes are work appropriate. You should remove work clothes that no longer fit, have tears or do not follow your current guidelines.

You are moving.

Whether you found the house of your dreams or you are moving to a new city, you need to pack. Over the years, you might have accumulated things that you no longer use. Before you move, parting with some of your belongings might make a move a whole lot easier.

There is a new member in the family.

A new baby or a new housemate is an exciting time. You will be sharing living spaces, and that means you will also need to share storage spaces. Decluttering your home for the new house member can help open up some needed space. Start your decluttering by separating your items into boxes ranging from sentimental items to things that will be donated.

You can donate your extra belongings to the thrift stores in Panama City Beach, FL or can contact the staff there for a pickup service.

[blogsteveclark12]

WHAT DORM ROOM ITEMS YOU CAN FIND AT THRIFT STORES

Heading off to college is one of the most exciting times in a young adult's life. But, it is also an expensive one. From paying tuition rates to buying lots of textbooks, college expenses may pile up.

Admission sly reports that the average college student spends more than $2,000 a month. These expenses might include transportation, food and any other dorm expenses.

If your kid is heading to college this year, help them save money on their back-to-school shopping and dorm room essentials by thrifting for them. I have compiled a list of must-have dorm essentials and what items you can find at the best thrift stops in Santa Rosa Beach, FL.

WHAT YOUR COLLEGE STUDENT REALLY NEEDS FOR THEIR DORM ROOM

There is a lot of information out there about what your college student really needs for college. The best place to start is by considering the size of your kid’s dorm room. It can give you a better understanding of what they truly need.

One mistake that many parents make is overbuying for the dorm. When shopping for the dorm room, remember that less is more. Focus on the important things they will need and use every day. Here is a list of college dorm essentials:

Storage bins/boxes

Lamps or extra lighting

Bedding sets - pillowcases, covers, blankets and sheets

Laundry bag or basket

Office supplies - pens, pencils, notebooks, planners and calculator

Electronics - laptop and headphones

Small coffee maker

Mini fridge

Bathroom supplies

Household and kitchen items - bowls, cups and trash bags

DORM ROOM ESSENTIALS YOU CAN FIND AT THRIFT STORES

Dishware

Whether your kid is planning on cooking their meals or preparing a bowl of cereal before class, dishware is essential. You can get budget-friendly and high-quality dishware at thrift stores. There you can find complete dish sets, coffee mugs, bakeware and even water bottles for everyday use.

Small kitchen appliances

Aside from dishes, your college student might also need small kitchen appliances. However, before purchasing, check with the school guidelines. Some small appliances that might come in handy are a coffee maker, toaster, mini-fridge, microwave, blender and rice cooker. The good news is you can find these at great prices at the best thrift stores in Iowa.

Storage baskets

A small room requires creative storage solutions. Dorm rooms are limited with space and might require your kid to store items in bins or boxes. Instead of buying expensive storage bins at retail stores, you can get creative and thrift baskets and bins for lower prices.

Picture frames

Heading to college means that your kid will be away from their family and friends. You can help your kid feel a little less homesick with framed pictures. Head to a thrift store and pick up some cool picture frames. If the color does not match their décor, you can always spray paint them.

[blogsteveclark12]

How Throwing Away Clothes Contributes to Climate Change

Before you throw your clothes away for any reason, there are a few things you need to consider. The textile and fashion industries create a large chunk of the pollution that currently destroys our environment every year. The cycle of throwing away and buying new clothes is one reason things have become so bad. In this article, we’re going to explore how throwing away clothes contributes to climate change and what you can do about it so you can reduce your own effect on the environment.

Air Pollution

There are actually multiple ways that the textile and fashion industries contribute to air pollution. The first is the emissions from the clothing factories themselves. Fabricating clothing is hardly a green process, especially when larger companies only care about pumping out as much as possible. Throwing away your clothes also either puts them in a landfill or gets them incinerated. Both of these methods create a ton of carbon emissions that harm our environment.

Water Use

The process of making clothing is one that people don’t talk about enough. For instance, your favorite pair of jeans probably needed gallons of water to create. Multiply that by the thousands upon thousands of jeans that manufacturers make every year, and you can see how quickly the fashion industry uses up our precious water resources.

Water Pollution

A lot of clothing with synthetic fabric inside it can never fully break down. This means that throwing away your clothes with these fabrics will eventually cause them to find their way into groundwater and the ocean. These non-biodegradable fibers pollute the water itself and also do active harm to marine wildlife.

Increased Clothing Demand

Throwing away clothes contributes to climate change in a more subtle and sinister way as well. The more you throw away, the more you buy to replace what you throw out. The more you buy, the more you increase the demand for new clothing. This demand translates to more air and water pollution as well as more water usage. You can break this cycle by choosing to donate or recycle your old clothing and buying clothes from secondhand stores.

You don’t have to stand for the fashion industry’s mistakes. When you need a clothing pickup to keep your old clothes out of the landfill, staff of thrift store in Santa Rosa Beach, FL will be there to collect them. You can feel good donating knowing that you’re not just helping people out, but you’re also protecting the environment.

[blogsteveclark12]

How To Deal With Sentimental Clutter

Do you have items that you don’t have a real use for but hang onto anyway? Maybe you feel a connection to these items even though they just take up space. These items are what we call sentimental clutter. They serve no purpose for you, but you keep them for emotional reasons. Over time, these items can pile up and become a serious issue. Here, I’ll give you a few strategies on how to deal with sentimental clutter so that you can free yourself from their hold.

Create a Goal for Yourself

Setting a goal for what you want your home to look like or how clean you want it to be will help you decide what to keep. By sticking to the goal that you create for yourself, you galvanize yourself into making the tough choices. Without a clear idea of why you want to get rid of these items, you’re far less likely to follow through.

Determine if Guilt Is a Factor

When we talk about how to deal with sentimental clutter, we often have to ask if guilt is the reason we hold onto things. For example, you might not like the idea of throwing away gifts from other people. If you find that guilt is the only reason you still have something, that’s a good indication that you can let it go. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but you’ll feel much better in the long run.

Keep a Single Token of a Group

One good way to get ahead of clutter in your home is to take only a token part of a group of items. For example, if you inherit a loved one’s collectibles that interested them—but not you—you might feel strange about getting rid of them. You can still enjoy that memory of them by keeping a small piece of the collection, rather than holding onto everything even when you don’t want it.

Donate Rather Than Trash

Throwing something in the garbage never feels like the right thing to do, especially when it comes to sentimental clutter. Donating those items could be the solution. This way, you give the items a new life with someone else who might actually want them instead of letting them collect dust in your home. You’ll get to remove these items without feeling guilty about throwing them in the garbage.

If you have a lot of home pickup donations ready to go, thrift store in Santa Rosa Beach, FL wants to take them off your hands. Give a call to their staff when you want them to come get your donations, or bring your items to one of their convenient drop-off points to get rid of all that sentimental clutter guilt-free.

[blogsteveclark12]

Why You Should Thrift Your Furniture

Did you buy a new house recently? Then you are going to need furniture to furnish your house. But buying new furniture can be heavy on your pockets. Consider purchasing furniture from a thrift store. Thrifting furniture has many benefits. The first and foremost benefit is that it is pocket-friendly. You can find some really good quality pieces at thrift stores in Panama City Beach, FL at a reasonable price. The second benefit is that it helps the furniture from being tossed in the landfills owing to the fast furniture trends. Thrifting furniture can spark the artist in you as you can restore the pieces according to your ideas.