5 Easy Ways to Reuse or Recycle Clothes You Probally Don't Know

We have all heard the phrase "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" but there's a lot more you can do with old clothes and shoes too worn to donate to a secondhand store. We at SnapCollar pride ourselves on keeping shirts looking better longer (and out of landfills). 

Below are 5 ways to give a new life to your textiles:

1. Donate old sheets, blankets, comforters and towels to local animal shelter: Goodwill and other secondhand stores generally don't take used bedding but local animal shelters love them. Cats and dogs enjoy laying on the soft material while they wait for their forever home. Be sure to call ahead to confirm the shelter needs them!

2. Recycle old t-shirts: For those tee's too far gone, Marine Layer accepts old t-shirts and turns them into new t-shirts. You can drop off in store or they will mail you an envelope and prepaid label to ship up to 5 back to them for free. 

3. Donate old shoes: While you may be done with your old running shoes, many charities that donate them overseas are not. Organizations like Soles4Souls and One World Running give those old shoes to people who do not have any, extending the life and helping someone in need. Some running stores, like Fleet Feet and Pacers, accept used shoes in their stores or you can ship them for free from Zappos's website. 

4. Recycle Denim: Cotton's Blue Jeans Go Green is an initiative that turns unusable jeans into insulation for low-income housing. BJGG will also ship you a mailing label to send the textiles to them for free or you can drop jeans off at your local Madewell American Eagle or Anthropologie store. 

5. Call your local school: Whether it is tie-dyeing shirts or making costumes, arts and crafts time often incorporate old clothes. Email your local school to ask whether they need any textiles you're looking to get rid of. You never know what teachers are looking for!

Know any other programs or opportunities? Drop us a line in the comments!