Aussies reportedly own $18.5 billion worth of unwanted clothes
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Many are guilty of hoarding unwanted clothes in their closets—items that were bought on impulse but never worn or outfits that have been out of style for years.
But did you know that this comes with economic and environmental costs?
The new ‘Cost of Giving’ report from the Australian Red Cross and Uber has revealed that half of Aussies have expressed their desire to donate more.
However, financial constraints and the rise in the cost of living have impacted Australians' ability to donate to charity.
The report also found that Australians are sitting on a collective $18.5 billion of unwanted garments, with the average Australian wardrobe containing around $952 worth of unworn clothes.
The Australian Red Cross and Uber have decided to team up for a clothing drive, allowing Aussies to book free pick-ups of pre-loved clothing to be taken to Red Cross Shops without spending anything.
It’s an easy way to help, according to Richard Wood, Head of Retail at Australian Red Cross.
'Australian Red Cross brings people and communities together in times of need, and by participating in the Clothing Drive, you are enabling us to raise funds to continue delivering this work,' he said.
Moreover, according to Dom Taylor, General Manager of Uber ANZ, this collaboration was a 'no brainer'.
'If you want to support vulnerable Aussie communities but aren't sure how to beyond cash donations or volunteering your time, consider spring cleaning your wardrobe and donating your preloved clothing,' Taylor said.
In 2022, the project received 3400 donations. For 2023, Uber and the Australian Red Cross hope to continue making it easier for everyone to participate.
So on Saturday, October 21, from 9 am to 4 pm, Uber will offer free clothing pick-ups as part of the Australian Red Cross Clothing Drive.
This service will be available in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney and will only accept clean and good-quality items.
Uber users can use the app by selecting the package option and putting 'Red Cross Shop' as the destination.
Now, how exactly do you sort through clothing items effectively?
Decluttering begins with assessing what you have. A messy closet filled with unused clothes can be overwhelming, but starting off by categorising your garments can make the process feel more manageable.
Group your clothes based on the type; for example, tops, bottoms, outerwear, sleepwear, and so forth. This simple step will allow you to see exactly what you have, making it easier to apply the ‘one-year’ rule—that is, if you haven’t worn an item in the past 12 months, it’s unlikely you’ll ever wear it again.
Taking care of your clothes also plays a significant role in decluttering and organisation. Ensure you treat your clothes properly; launder them according to the instructions, fold them smartly or hang them with suitable hangers. Well-maintained clothes not only last longer but also tend to take up less space in your wardrobe.
Another effective strategy is to rotate your wardrobe regularly. This way, you refresh your style, make the most out of all your garments, and ideally, avoid the impulse to keep buying more. This can be arranged seasonally, with spring-summer wear stored away during colder months and vice versa for autumn-winter pieces.
But decluttering doesn't end when you've sorted out what to keep and give away. If you have clothes unsuitable for donation due to damage or wear, consider other ways of using them. They could be turned into rags, stuffing, pet bedding, or even repurposed into new items.
And remember, organisation is key. Having a system of storing your clothes not only helps you find them more easily, but also keeps your closet looking clean and spacious. Use items like shelf dividers, baskets, and clear storage boxes to keep your clothes tidy and manageable.
Members, do you also have unused clothes sitting in your closet? Let us know how you deal with them in the comments below!
But did you know that this comes with economic and environmental costs?
The new ‘Cost of Giving’ report from the Australian Red Cross and Uber has revealed that half of Aussies have expressed their desire to donate more.
However, financial constraints and the rise in the cost of living have impacted Australians' ability to donate to charity.
Aussies reportedly have $18.5 billion worth of unwanted clothes in their closets. Image source: user15285612 on Freepik.
The report also found that Australians are sitting on a collective $18.5 billion of unwanted garments, with the average Australian wardrobe containing around $952 worth of unworn clothes.
The Australian Red Cross and Uber have decided to team up for a clothing drive, allowing Aussies to book free pick-ups of pre-loved clothing to be taken to Red Cross Shops without spending anything.
It’s an easy way to help, according to Richard Wood, Head of Retail at Australian Red Cross.
'Australian Red Cross brings people and communities together in times of need, and by participating in the Clothing Drive, you are enabling us to raise funds to continue delivering this work,' he said.
Moreover, according to Dom Taylor, General Manager of Uber ANZ, this collaboration was a 'no brainer'.
'If you want to support vulnerable Aussie communities but aren't sure how to beyond cash donations or volunteering your time, consider spring cleaning your wardrobe and donating your preloved clothing,' Taylor said.
In 2022, the project received 3400 donations. For 2023, Uber and the Australian Red Cross hope to continue making it easier for everyone to participate.
So on Saturday, October 21, from 9 am to 4 pm, Uber will offer free clothing pick-ups as part of the Australian Red Cross Clothing Drive.
This service will be available in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney and will only accept clean and good-quality items.
Uber users can use the app by selecting the package option and putting 'Red Cross Shop' as the destination.
Now, how exactly do you sort through clothing items effectively?
Decluttering begins with assessing what you have. A messy closet filled with unused clothes can be overwhelming, but starting off by categorising your garments can make the process feel more manageable.
Group your clothes based on the type; for example, tops, bottoms, outerwear, sleepwear, and so forth. This simple step will allow you to see exactly what you have, making it easier to apply the ‘one-year’ rule—that is, if you haven’t worn an item in the past 12 months, it’s unlikely you’ll ever wear it again.
Taking care of your clothes also plays a significant role in decluttering and organisation. Ensure you treat your clothes properly; launder them according to the instructions, fold them smartly or hang them with suitable hangers. Well-maintained clothes not only last longer but also tend to take up less space in your wardrobe.
Another effective strategy is to rotate your wardrobe regularly. This way, you refresh your style, make the most out of all your garments, and ideally, avoid the impulse to keep buying more. This can be arranged seasonally, with spring-summer wear stored away during colder months and vice versa for autumn-winter pieces.
But decluttering doesn't end when you've sorted out what to keep and give away. If you have clothes unsuitable for donation due to damage or wear, consider other ways of using them. They could be turned into rags, stuffing, pet bedding, or even repurposed into new items.
And remember, organisation is key. Having a system of storing your clothes not only helps you find them more easily, but also keeps your closet looking clean and spacious. Use items like shelf dividers, baskets, and clear storage boxes to keep your clothes tidy and manageable.
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