How You Can Help
Make Clothes Last Longer
Repair small tears, replace buttons, and mend damaged clothing instead of replacing it. Extending a garment's life reduces waste and lowers demand for new production.
Buy Less, Choose Better
Purchase fewer, higher quality items that last longer. Avoid impulse purchases driven by quick new fashion trends that dont last .
Donate and Shop Secondhand
Donate wearable clothing or shop at thrift stores. Giving clothes a second life helps reduce textile waste. Keep in mind that this does not lead to being 100% waste free.
Care for Your Clothing
Wash clothes properly and follow care labels. Good maintenance helps garments last longer and stay out of landfills.
HOW COMPANIES CAN HELP
Reduce Overproduction
Companies can better match production with consumer demand to reduce unsold inventory. Producing only what is needed helps prevent excess clothing from ending up in landfills.
Sustainable Materials
Choosing recycled fibers and more durable fabrics can reduce environmental impacts. Higher-quality materials also help clothing last longer, reducing waste over time.
Recycling Programs
Retailers can offer clothing take back programs, repair services, and textile recycling initiatives. These programs help keep usable materials out of landfills and support a more circular fashion industry.
Local Resouces for SPSCC Students
Clothing Donation
Donate clothing you no longer wear instead of throwing it away. Local organizations such as Olympia Skoolie Thrift, Value Village, and Olympia Union Gospel Mission accept clothing donations that can help others while keeping usable textiles out of landfills.
Textile Recycling
Not every item belongs in the trash. The Thurston County Waste & Recovery Center accepts clean, dry, usable textiles for recycling, helping recover materials instead of sending them to the landfill.
Shop Secondhand
Buying secondhand extends the life of existing clothing and reduces demand for new fast-fashion production. Local thrift stores such as Olympia Skoolie Thrift, La Butik Thrift Shop, and Full Cart Deals offer affordable alternatives to buying new while supporting reuse in the local community.