Increasingly today we see that what was once old and out of style is now “in” and hotter than ever. Shopping at vintage stores is beneficial to both the consumer and the environment. Taking advantage of vintage clothing allows you to get a stylish, original look for less. At the same time, the excess energy used and the pollution created during the manufacturing process is eliminated.

Don’t know what to do with your unwanted clothes? Well, recycling does not just apply to paper and plastic. Keeping unwanted clothes in circulation is simple and easy. Here are a few tips:

      Host a yard sale. It’s fun and it’s an easy way to make extra cash.

      Have a clothes swap. Invite your friends and family to bring all of their unwanted shoes and clothes over for exchange. If you change your mind, you can always borrow your items back.

      Be charitable. Take your clothes to your local Goodwill, Salvation Army, or a local church involved in distributing clothes to homeless people.

      Be creative. Turn your old items into quilts or cleaning rags.

Getting rid of old clothes does not have to be a hassle. Re-using and recycling is one of the easiest ways to save your world. Your junk is not just one persons treasure; it is the world’s treasure.

-Alicia Hutchison

            When it comes to fashion, Russell Simmons states in an interview, “there’s a big move in America and the world towards consciousness so I’m inspired by all that is promoting consciousness; and the idea of putting that into your clothes kind of brings it home to heart.” Actor Don Cheadle and actress Angelina Jolie use their celebrity status to serve as advocates for ending poverty and cruelty across the globe. Bands like Matchbox 20 and U2 are using their music to promote awareness to various causes across the world.

            To some, this may be a trend that may die out at some point. It’s something that may happen, but it is also hard to believe that conscious awareness will come to an end. There are many people that have no celebrity or fame who care about where we are headed as a globe that will continue to work and do their part. We all have a part to play in making sure that the world becomes a better place for us all.

Next time you do laundry, follow these pointers and help the world around you.

      Wash your clothes only when you have a full load of laundry. This saves water and eliminates unnecessary cycles.

      Wash clothes at 30 degrees. Now-a-days, laundry detergents are just as efficient at lower temperatures. Washing clothes at this temperature saves energy and reduces carbon emissions.

      If possible, air dry your clothes and avoid tumble drying your clothes.

      Purchase clothes that are hand and machine washable. Many of the chemicals used at the dry cleaners are toxic.

      Invest in appliances such as a load front washer and dryer. These appliances are specially designed to conserve water and energy.

By choosing to change your laundry habits, you choose to be environmentally responsible.

-Alicia Hutchison