We all love new things. And there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself. However, there are smarter choices to be made when it comes to our old clothes, shoes and accessories. And the same for buying new.

If you think the life cycle of your favourite coat or pair of jeans is about to come to an end, there could still be life in it – for someone else.

For UK Clothing Poverty Awareness Day this year, we’ve had a look at what the options are out there for the things we don’t need anymore. And as a bonus, it can help the environment too.

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What to do with old clothes etc.

Firstly, clothing is beyond saving, you can look for local textile and fabric recycling centres. They will take the fabric, transform, and upcycle into something new. Check in your local area for your nearest centre.

If you’re feeling creative, you can even make new items like face masks and cleaning cloths out of scraps of fabric. You can follow this easy tutorial for making your own facemask.

Local animal shelters are always looking for material for bedding, comfort toys etc. for the animals they look after.

Old or unwanted shoes and boots can be taken to recycle centres or sold for re-use.

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Clothes that can be worn again.

If your clothes are in a good condition, you can donate them to charity. Most high streets have shops that you can pop stuff into and turn over your no longer needed items.

If you have younger family members why not give them some clothes that you don’t wear anymore. Hand-me-downs have never really gone out of style.

You can even cash in your old clothes to make some money.

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Buying new clothes.

We all need to buy new clothes sometimes. Fast fashion is a phrase we hear quite often. It might be easier to buy. But, it does have a harmful impact on the environment.

If you would like to be more sustainable, and save money, then thrift stores may be for you. Thrift stores are an excellent way to find hidden gems. And some of the older looks tend to come back into fashion.

Online marketplaces like Vinted are great to use to sell your old clothes and give them a second life with someone new.

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When it’s time to move out.

When students move out of their student home, they may find that they have items they no longer have room for. If you have unwanted items, you can donate clothes, shoes, bags, and books to a good cause.

All of our Host accommodations will have donation points and bags for our students, to donate to our featured charities; the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and/or Cancer Research.