Reduce: To make something simpler, especially by extracting or summarizing essential elements.
This is a call to action for all of you fashion lovers out there, to reduce the amount of items you have in your closet. Weed out items that no longer fit, flatter or were impulse purchases. I do this every year at this time, starting first, with summer clothing. Because I am not currently wearing them, I have a better idea of what I wore last summer and what I should donate. From there, I move on to the other seasons, ending with winter. Then, I take all those gently used articles to the Goodwill Retail Store & Donation Center. I’m launching my “RE” New Year!
Reuse: The using of something again, often for a different purpose and usually as an alternative to throwing it out.
Take a look at all the things that you want to keep, but for one reason or another, don’t work for you. Perhaps a coat needs some repair or alterations? Or maybe you’re putting together a “project box” with tips from my archived articles, on how to re-use clothing items in a different way? Make sure you know how you’re going to re-invent your item, or you’ll defeat the purpose. Instead of holding on to something with no plan, consider donating it to Goodwill, so someone else can use it.
Recycle: To adapt or convert something to a new use, or to use something again for the same purpose.
Recycling is not a tough thing to do. Tie-dyeing and converting fabric into other items for your home is a great option. The key is planning. To avoid accumulating clutter, save only things that you plan to use, recycle in a similar fashion, or create something brand new.
The new year is a great time to practice the three “RE’s”, but this mantra can be easily adopted all year ‘round. At Goodwill, proceeds from the sale of your donations are used to support our mission of job training and employment for people with disabilities and disadvantages. This illustrates the ripple effect it can have impacting the lives of people in our community. By donating unused items, you can make a real difference in the world. So, let’s all “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”! Have a happy “RE” year and I’ll see you soon at the nearest Goodwill.
