Chances are you want to reduce clutter and create habits that help the planet. But where to start? It can be overwhelming, so we put together a 15-day challenge to help you get started.

Just look at the challenge for each day. If it is something you want to incorporate, do it! If not, let it pass and look for the next one that you can fit. Follow us on social media, too, where we'll be posting some of these as well. 

If we hope to make the world a little better place, we have to focus on what we can do. No change is too small. Each thing we do gives us momentum and builds confidence for the next step. Think about it - taking 10 small steps is better than one big step!

We are all inspired in different ways so find what works best. Make it fun and meaningful for you. Share the challenge with family and friends if you are motivated by others. Create a list or goals if you like to see your accomplishments on paper. ​Once you make a few small shifts, you will find momentum to make more. Sometimes, all you need is to get started!

Post-holiday bargains abound and it's hard not to jump on them. Our brains are wired to want things, especially if we think it's a great deal. But with every new product we buy, we leave a bigger carbon footprint. Delay is an awesome preventative so try this: Instead of clicking "BUY NOW", make a list of everything you find that you want to buy during the week, and wait to buy everything on Saturday (or Sunday, or any single day). It's likely that looking at the number and cost of everything together will help you naturally pare down. And giving your brain time to lose the 'in-the-moment' excitement will inevitably shrink your list to the more essential items. ​

Do you know what you have in your fridge and on your shelves? Clean them out. If you're really short on time, pick just one shelf. Pull anything that is just expired or expiring and try to come up with a creative meal or two to use things up (I found one of my all-time-favorite recipes trying to use up a large bag of spinach). Next pull anything you purchased for a special dish that you aren't going to use, or anything you have just too much of and put it in a bag to donate to your nearest food shelf - Find one near you using the Donate Good Stuff search tool. Finally, anything that is really outdated, throw into the compost and recycle the containers.
​

I live in Minnesota, so there is not a lot of growing we can do in the winter, but I found a couple of hacks that keep some lovely green in the house and also provide fresh food whenever we want it. You can take grocery store produce leftovers from onions, lettuce, and garlic to grow more in your kitchen window. Just cut the top off of green onions and stick the base in a little water. It will keep re-sprouting so you always have fresh. you can do the same with a head of lettuce - just cut the top and plunk the bottom in some water (with the top out of the water) or use toothpicks in the sides to hold it at the top of a glass of water so roots have a place to grow. You can also take cloves of garlic (this may only work with organic) and put them in a little pot. Keep them watered and use the sprouting greens like you would garlic. Of course, a small herb garden is pretty simple, too if you can find a container, a little dirt and a but of sunshine. Every time you do this, you save another plastic bag, and it's free food!

Many things that we throw away can be recycled even if they cannot be reused. Look a little more closely at what you put in your trash today and see if there is something that can be diverted to a better use. ​

One overwhelmingly common item is the plastic bag. Most people don't realize they are dangerous if they get into recycling because they get tangled in machines at recycling facilities, which can require a human to un-do. It is risky and expensive. You can, however, return bags to stores like Target. You can search to find a drop-off location near you.

For the day, take stock of what you throw away. Stop and think about each item and if there is possibly a way to reuse or recycle it. Start with a simple Google search. Connect with the Terracycle network for hard-to-recycle items as well as new and upcoming companies like RidWell that offer collection services. Also check into special city or county recycling events

When you do have to buy items, choose reused, up-cycled, recycled, or at least recyclable options and packaging. Zero Waste Communities of San Bernadino County helps you keep in mind the difference between recycled and recyclable products and packaging. Recycled materials already have been given a second life, whereas recycled products only will be if someone recycles them. Take a look at the products you use and look for products you can switch out when you shop.

Once you are done with the challenge, sit back and reflect on what you have accomplished. Incremental change can seem small, but when you add up those little things over weeks, months, and years, the impact is anything but. And consider the momentum you've gained. When you start looking at ways you can reduce your environmental impact on the world, you create a habit in itself. This is how change is made.

​Thank you for participating!!

When it comes to T-shirts, one persons trash is not another's treasure.
Only the best and brightest should be donated to be worn again. The main reason is that with so many t-shirt donations that come in, if the shirt isn't in excellent shape, or something other people will want (think twice about that family reunion t-shirt from 2008) they may get thrown out by the donation center. In those cases, you may be better off reusing or even recycling it locally yourself.
​
Here are some guidelines to make sure your donation will be accepted:

• Make sure they are freshly laundered (true for any clothing donations).
• Check for any signs of wear, including rough edges around the neck or hem, and pilling.
• No holes. Small ones are easy to miss. Just stretch the fabric a bit to check.
• Is there any embedded pet fur? Even when laundered, it is stubborn and can cause a donation to be rejected.
• Check for stains. Arm pits are the obvious ones, and also small and light colored stains. These are not suitable as clothing donations so set those aside.

In short, if your shirts are showing any wear, have holes, stains, pet fur, or anything else that you would not give a picky friend to wear, don't donate it. Read on for some creative ways to give them new life.

Do you have a favorite shirt that you would want to wear but it has stayed in the drawer because of some minor issues? Give it a little love and put it back into circulation. Before you donate for someone to wear, it should be in excellent condition as-is, meaning the recipient will not have to clean or fix any minor or major issues with the garment. Who knows, once you tidy it up, you may find a new use for it yourself.

If there is a small seam coming out, it takes less time than you think to grab a piece of thread and a needle and sew it up.

For that persistent little stain, Kitchn has a simple-to-follow article for getting out grease stains. ​Once your t-shirt is back to it's former glory, you may want to wear it again or decide it will then be suitable to donate, give, or even sell if it's a collector's item.

For stubborn smells like armpit body odor, I learned a trick from a family member who used to work in theater. Washing decorative costumes wasn't always possible, so they used a spritz of alcohol. It works magic. Just wet the area with a cheap vodka or rubbing alcohol and let it dry. Then wash as normal.

Pet hair is tough because it doesn't just wash out. You usually need to get in there with a roller (consider reusables) to get it all out, but you can start by reducing the amount of hair with some pre-treating and some creative laundry tricks. Use damp hands or rubber glove and wipe over the surface in one direction at a time. When you wash your clothes, use 1/2 cup of distilled vinegar in the wash to prevent static electricity from causing pet hair to stick. You can also try dryer sheets - just throw one in with your shirts on a cool setting. Add a damp microfiber cloth or even a balloon and they will help attract the hair that is there.

The first place people think of when donating t-shirts are the big thrift re-sellers like Goodwill (nonprofit) or Savers (for profit). But many t-shirts that arrive at these stores never make it to the shelves. Some can be put into textile recycling and others might be tossed. They simply get too many.

If you have t-shirts in like-new condition, consider giving your best Ts to a smaller nonprofit that will actually use them.  An example in St. Paul, MN is ​Walking With A Purpose. They give them directly to the unsheltered living in the city.

If they are not quite excellent, but are clean and usable, consider an animal shelters, or other places that can use them for other purposes like bedding, upcycled projects, or rags. An example is the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley. 

Check out Donate Good Stuff to find a listing of all organizations near you that are in need of T-shirts right now.

T-shirts that aren't in great shape can be repurposed and reused for so many things, with minimal effort, and that can instead save you money and time going online or the store to purchase. Just as importantly, you trim down your carbon footprint by reducing the amount of 'new' things that have to be sourced, produced, packaged and transported. Here is a fun list of things to try.

There are lots of tutorials about how to make a super simple reusable tote with a few cuts and by tying knots across the bottom. You can also sew the bottom shut for a simple-sew option. Recycle Ann Arbor has easy to follow photos.
Make a bunch to give away to friends, or even to your local market.

Instructables has instructions for a braided rug you can make with as few as 5 t-shirts, and can use more for larger rugs. Just cut long strips and braid, adding new strips as they get to the end. Mix and match colors, or gather all of one color for a rug of similar hues. ​They can be great for dorm rooms, front entryways, basements, and really beautiful ones can serve as an accent piece in a room. Leftovers can be used as t-shirt yarn or for other projects.

Use them as rags for things that are gross where you don't want to use them again on nicer things. For instance: pet mess clean up. If you happen to have 100% cotton, they make great lint free wipes.

Craftspeople or neighbors may appreciate rags for staining wood or for use with other creative endeavors. It might even be worth posting on a social media sharing site like Nextdoor, Cragslist, or Facebook Marketplace.

One really easy, no-sew project is to make a headband by cutting the bottom off of a t-shirt, twisting it in the middle and matching up the two  loops to go around your head. You can also make pony-tail holders in the same way by cutting a thinner strip. The hem at the bottom of the t-shirt has additional strength that is good for this. 

You can make throw pillows. You can even reuse an old pillow for this by stuffing it inside. Just cut two equal squares, sew three sides, stuff, and sew up the last side. For a no-sew option, cut strips on each of the sides and tie the top and bottom together all around the pillow. Here is a 5-Minute Crafts video showing how to do it. 

If you remember those loom kits from the 1970s and 80's? You can use t-shirt strips to make coasters and hot pads for a throwback craft.

Great for cold days or sore muscles, these easy to make comfort bags are a perfect project for using old t-shirts. Make large ones to throw in by your feet on a cold night or to place on a sore neck or lower back. Make small ones to tuck into your jacket pocket or mittens. You can make them from all kinds of fabric but when using the thinner fabric of t-shirts, consider using two layers. Make them just like the pillows, above, but stuff them with dry rice or beans. Heat them in the microwave but be careful as they can burn. I never put mine in for more than 1 minute.

You can actually make yarn out of old t-shirts by cutting a long, continuous strip starting at the bottom of the t-shirt and working your way up. You can string strands from multiple t-shirts together using a simple knot. Then just use a large knitting or crochet needle and create whatever you want.

Some cities and counties offer curbside recycling. For anything really worn, stained, or with holes, this can be a good local option. Just check your area for guidelines. It is worth finding out what they do with the recycled goods to make sure it is the best option available.

What about the collection bins? These are generally put out by for-profit, secondary market resellers and most often bulk-sell abroad. This has been shown to have negative effects on local clothing industries. Additionally, reports indicate nearly half becomes trash because of the greater supply than demand. Because of this, the carbon footprint of sending items across the globe to be burned or landfilled is both unnecessary and unjustifiable. You do much better for the planet by finding a way to upcycle or reuse items, and if that isn’t possible, recycling locally.
​
​Recycling centers will often take worn textiles. For some, like Eureka recycling, it is as simple as scheduling a pickup on their app. Check with your local recycler. You can find one near you with Earth 911's textile recycling locator.

What about Goodwill or other resellers?
Definitely don't donate anything that is contaminated or smelly. In an NPR interview with Goodwill spokesperson for stores in Vermont and New Hampshire, Heather Steeves,noted that “All this trash adds up to more than $1 million a year in a trash bill, and it’s been growing every year for the past five years,” Her figure only counted their 30 stores in two states. Make sure to never leave donations outside. They often get damaged by the elements or local critters and the well-intended recycling donations turn into trash and a burden for the organization.

Always check with the individual store. They distinct programs and arrangements. For example, at the Northern New England Goodwill stores, they have a wiping cloth program where people can buy cut up shirts by the bag in the store, and softer rags go to ship builders or artisanal instrument makers who need very fine cloth rags for buffing out their products. 

I love a good checklist. 
​
We just presented on the Sustainability Stage at the Minnesota State Fair. At the event, we handed out a declutter checklist to help attendees find items that can be donated. Several participants asked that we publish it, so we are!
There is also a printable version below.

​Happy decluttering :)

Most or all of the items on this list can be donated to nonprofits where they are truly needed. ​

Kitchen
☐      Pots and pans you seldom use
☐      Bakeware and cookie cutters you haven’t used in two years and/or duplicates
☐      Extra and mismatched dishes, silverware, mugs/glasses, and serving ware
☐      Appliances you haven’t used in the past year
☐      Junk drawer: Extra scissors, measuring tape, pens, markers, clips, etc.
☐      Extra jars, bottles, or cans you don’t use
☐      Duplicate or unused utensils
☐      Unused or excess plastic containers
Bathroom
☐      Travel sized shampoo bottles
☐      Surplus or non-matching towels
☐      Unused cups, holders, décor
☐      Unused mirrors, hangers, shelving/stacking, etc.
Bedrooms
☐      Clothes and shoes you haven’t worn in a season
☐      Jewelry you haven’t worn in a season
☐      Clothes and shoes that don’t fit well
☐      Excess hangers, storage
☐      Books you haven’t read or re-read in 3 years
☐      Unused toys, games, and  books
☐      Extra bedding, blankets, sheets
Living
☐    Extra televisions, furniture, lamps
☐      DVDs and CDs you no longer use
Office & Technology
☐      Excess school supplies
☐      Gift cards you haven’t used
☐      Unused computers
☐      Unused cellphones
☐      Unused cameras
☐      Unused electronics (mice, monitors, printers, etc.)
☐      Excess school supplies
☐      Excess folders, files, folios, binders, etc.
Laundry
☐      Extra hangers and baskets you don’t use
Attic/Storage
☐      Décor you haven’t used in a season
☐      Extra furniture you haven’t used
☐      Anything that is broken
Garage
☐      Unused bikes that haven’t been used in a year
☐               Mower/blower: duplicate or unused
☐      Ladders, extra siding, etc., not used in a year
☐      Yard and Garden tools you haven’t used in a season
☐      Power and hand tools you don’t use
Other
☐      Pet supplies you no longer need
☐      Keys from old cars/houses/unknown
☐      Unused glasses
☐      Furniture you no longer use
☐      Instruments you haven’t played in the past year
☐      Seasonal: coats, mittens, boots not used in a year

We feel better when things are organized, but it turns out it is also quite important for our health and wellbeing. ​Psychology Today provides 8 reasons messes are proven to cause stress including overstimulation, lack of focus, inability to relax, anxiety, and guilt, and stifling creativity. Nobody needs these extra stressors in their lives especially when you can do something about it. If you completed or started a quarantine decluttering project (or finally want to start), you will find it not only decreases stress, it also increases productivity, and even saves you money.

It seems simple, so why does stuff seem to always accumulate? There are many methods of 'project' decluttering, whether you choose Marie Kondo, or others, where you set aside a bunch of time and really hit an area to declutter. For most people with busy lives, it is hard to carve out that time.
Just like making your bed or brushing your teeth, if you can make a habit of clearing clutter regularly, it becomes more manageable and gets done. 
First, you need a strategy that work for you. Here are two steps you can start right away. 

STEP 1: 
Create a small space where you feel OK about putting things that you need to donate. Create a 'to donate' bag or box somewhere near your door where these items can go and plop them in. When it fills up or gets in the way, make a trip to donate or post it stuff for neighbors on Nextdoor, Facebook, or you could even just send a message to friends or family who might like the items.

STEP 2:
Create a place where you can put things that need sorting between repair, giving, or trash. Set it somewhere you are regularly or are likely to do a passive activity. Hide it next to a couch where you'll be watching TV or under a chair where you'll be sitting with a child while she does homework. Get creative and find what works for you. When you sit down in that space, you are automatically reminded and the items are right there. Many find sorting a very satisfying activity, plus you make progress toward your decluttering routine.​

Now, how do you get through all of the stuff in a 'routine' way? Here are a couple of ideas that other people have found helpful depending on their personality:

If you struggle with routine and scheduling tasks, try this:
When clutter frustrates you or makes you bad, deal with a little right away. Can't shut your utensil drawer? Right then and there, quickly identify one or a few things you don't use and plop them in the 'to donate' bin. That way, it doesn't have to derail what you are doing, and you get the satisfaction of removing a frustration in the moment. Yay!

If you love a to-do list and organizing but don't have much time, try this:
Give yourself the gift of a tiny bit of time - maybe just 15 minutes on a Saturday morning. Identify a small area like a shelf in your closet, or specific drawer. Take just the allotted time and do a super quick sweep of that area. You can dump everything out, or just pull the things you don't need out - It's your choice. Focus on items that haven't been used in a while, are broken or no good, out of date, or just taking up too much space. Put them aside in a 'to donate' receptacle by your door or if you need time to sort the give/fix/repurpose/trash, set it somewhere you are doing a passive activity like watching TV or sitting with a child while she does homework.  
​

You may well find the extra motivation you need to get things out of your home when you know your items will find a meaningful new home where they will be used and enjoyed. Most people, when they find out someone needs something, bend over backward to get it to them. However, when it's just a pile at your back door without a plan, it can sit for weeks or longer.

Donate Good Stuff is a great resource to help you find organizations that need what you have, nearby, and provides you with the info to easily deliver. Here are some examples of what you can find:

• Give tools you don't use to the MN Tool library 
• Donate current season clothing to service providers like YouthLink, 
• Give work clothes to Dress for Success or Ready for Success
• Donate linens and unopened body care items to a variety of shelters
• Donate furniture to distribution centers like Bridging
• Donate home improvement and construction items to Hearts and Hammers or Habitat ReStore
• Give medical equipment and supplies to Mano A Mano or Hero
• Donate kitchen and household items to supportive programs like Breaking Free, and MORE. 
• Donate art supplies to help young people at Jeremiah Program and Ampersand Families
• Donate sports and outdoor equipment so kids can participate in activities to Urban Ventures

Wherever you donate, carefully read what is needed and what is not ensure your donation is appreciated and used and doesn't become an unintended burden for the organization that can cost them time and money they often don't have. Make sure it is in excellent condition, freshly cleaned, and free of damage, fur, stains, odor and any other unpleasantness unless the listing specifically states otherwise. Always do a re-inspection of items right before you donate!

If you have stuff might not be considered 'good', there are still options:

• Bring used shoe boxes or old blankets to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
• Give outdated computers and equipment to PCs for People or Tech Dump
• Even old cars can have a new life at Newgate School

If you can't find an organization that needs it near you, try some neighborly options like posting your things on Freecycle, the NextDoor app or Facebook community groups and marketplace. Consider other simple and local solutions like delivering a few books to a neighbor's little free library.
​

Whether you’re on a limited budget, want to reduce landfill waste – or both – renovating your existing wardrobe instead of buying a new one is easier than you think. A good wardrobe is a must-have for many, and we tend to invest in new clothes without taking stock of what’s already hanging in our closets. You can resist the temptation by giving your wardrobe an economical but fun fashion facelift.
Transforming and tweaking your wardrobe instead of buying a new one saves money. Maybe you’re a single mom whose job requires a high-level wardrobe, or you’re young and just building up a solid income. Perhaps you’re interested in recycling and upcycling. We have some great advice and techniques to find both budget-easy and Earth-friendly ways to update your wardrobe.
 
A Second Life
We all have our clothing secrets, those gotta-have purchases that we hang in the closet, waiting for the next perfect occasion. Except, that perfect cocktail party or night on the town just never materializes. Eventually, we forget it’s hanging there, tags still attached, and now it’s no longer trendy or it doesn’t fit like before.
Don’t just toss clothes: consider giving them a second life. Most of our clothes eventually end up in a landfill. In 2015, more than 10 million tons of fabrics went to landfills, according to the EPA. Yet within that same year, only about 14% of clothing and shoes were recycled. Producing new clothes and other textiles requires energy, water, and other resources. By renewing your wardrobe (and other household textiles like linens, bed sheets, drapes, and blankets) instead of discarding, you can do your part to reduce landfill waste.
 
Clothes Renewal Selection
Let’s dig in and decide which clothes stay, which clothes leave, and which are good candidates for a transformation.
Go through your closet. Take clothes out and start working on an organization system. Some people organize types of clothes together: button-down shirts together, slacks, pants, skirts, dresses, etc. Others group their wardrobe according to use: work clothes, party clothes, casual clothes. Still, others group their clothes according to colors.
Whatever organizing system you use, stick to it, and revisit the selection process every few months, or at minimum once a year. You may discover clothes you haven’t noticed for years. Rotating them into your regular wardrobe choices brings new variety.
 
How Often Do You Use it?
As you go through your closet, question how often you use it. How about that outdated pair of slacks or that forgotten dress? These slacks make a good candidate for re-homing or renovating, and you could transform that dress into a cute blouse. If you haven’t worn something for a year, give serious thought to renovating it or removing it from your closet.
 
Does it Still Suit You?
You adored that skirt 10 years ago when you couldn’t resist buying it. Still, think you can’t live without it? Do you have the same feelings for it? This kind of item in your wardrobe might be a good candidate for a subtle or grand transformation.
 
What to Do with Clothes you Don’t Need?
You should now have a keep pile, a keep but renovate pile, and a “leave the house” pile. What do you do with these clothes? Evaluate them: If they’re good quality and not hopelessly outdated fashion-wise, you may consider donating them. You can find places near you to donate at DonateGoodStuff.org. You may also consider using social media groups such as Facebook Marketplace, or Nextdoor, as well as selling them at a local consignment shop.
If you don’t want the hassle or the clothes aren’t top quality, you can also offer them for free on sites like The Freecycle Network. This way, the clothes have a use for others while staying out of the landfill.
 
Upcycle, Downcycle, and Renovation Techniques
Your wardrobe is a great source of creative upcycle and downcycle projects.
Upcycling involves turning an existing item into something of higher value. Those tired old jeans could become an on-trend, functional shopping tote, a denim tank top, or a woven sink floor mat. Upcycling saves energy and materials used by new-item manufacturing processes. Some people earn income by crafting and selling items using upcycled materials.
You can also downcycle your wardrobe – that is, turn the fabric into something else useful but less valuable than the original item. Turn soft but no longer wearable cotton T-shirts into dust cloths, a sweater for your dog, or a snuggly small pet hammock. Downcycle shirts to wax your car. Crafty people have recycled clothes into sewn protective face masks, using t-shirt strips as tie straps.
Check out hundreds of amazing second-life ideas for upcycling your clothing. You’ll be amazed what some creativity, scissors, and maybe some sewing thread can accomplish. You don’t have to be a professional seamstress or DIY fashion guru to achieve beautiful results.
There are some great fabrics for craft or upcycle projects that are probably hanging in your closet right now:

• Denim, like jeans and jean jackets
• Cotton shirts
• T-shirts
• Cotton blouses or dresses
• Flannel or plaid shirts
• Bedsheets
• Wool sweaters and blankets

By using various techniques and some handy online tutorials, you can cut, sew, glue, and transform unwanted, tired fabrics into new, exciting clothes, home decorating, or craft creations. Here are some ideas for transforming closet rejects:
 
Cutting
Fabrics and scissors are a perfect match when you’re giving new life to clothes. Renovations can be as simple as cutting slacks into shorts and hemming the frayed ends (or leave the frayed ends for a casual statement). Cut strips and weave together for a rug, tying off the ends or cut clothes up for future quilting pieces.
 
Transform Dresses into Trendy Tops or Skirts
Remember that cute dress you almost never wore? Turn it into a top or even a skirt. This may be as simple as hemming the dress a little higher and adding a cute belt. Look online for inspiration and tutorials.
 
Repurpose Old T-shirts into Something New
Do you have drawers full of oversized t-shirts or old t-shirts? Give them a new life. Weave them into totes, make them into crop tops, or find other ways to reuse the fabric. T-shirt material is a dream to renovate, upcycle, or downcycle. When cut, t-shirts don’t fray, so you can cut and handle without the need to hem. You can also use T-shirts as knitting yarn to make rag rugs, macrame, pillow cushions, patchwork quilts, t-shirt bags, or even potholders.
 
Tie-Dye
Tie-dye never goes out of style. Vibrant and fun, tie-dyeing makes a terrific family activity. Transform white shirts or other clothes, even ones that may be stained. Chances are unless they’re bad stains, the tie-dye pattern will hide the imperfections, making that shirt wearable again.
Before you dive into tie-dying, watch videos online with step-by-step directions. There are lots of different techniques to achieve the patterns and color combinations you most love.
If you’re not into tie-dye, you can use different painting materials on clothing to change their look. Try acrylic pens, natural pigments, and even fabric paints watered down to make clothes look just like a dreamy watercolor painting. Sites like Pinterest.com have lots of ideas for bringing new life to your clothes.
 
Bleach Techniques
If you have dark clothes, you can transform them into vibrant, eye-catching statement pieces by using a creative reverse dye technique process of bleaching out the color and then adding bright dye colors to the bleached, white sections. You can also use bleach pens to create cool, colorful images on fabric.
 
Knitting, Sewing, and Crocheting
Don’t overlook traditional methods to change up clothes you’ve grown tired of. Knitting, sewing, and crocheting are time-honored skills you can enjoy learning as you add beautiful accents to your clothes.
Hem a long skirt into a shorter version or transform slacks into shorts. Add a contrasting color block to an existing skirt. Sew a lace hem on shorts or a crocheted accent onto a blouse for a charming touch.
 
Repair Old Clothes
Instead of throwing away clothes, consider repairing them. Resist the urge to pitch clothes with a hole or missing button, Invest a little time in repairing instead of replacing, and you’ll save lots of money. Iron on or sew on a cool, on-trend patch on your jeans, and change out the buttons on your sweater. Browse online shops for eye-catching buttons that show off your personality.
If your sewing, darning, or sew-on button techniques are rusty or nonexistent, don’t worry: There are lots of tutorials online for almost any repair situation.
 
Denim Jeans and Jackets
Denim jeans are incredibly versatile for repurposing projects. Sew some patches or lace onto existing jeans or a jacket for an on-trend shabby-chic fashion statement. Use fabric paint to embellish with flowers, peace symbols, or cool sayings.
Denim’s fabric strength can be transformed into things like totes, light-blocking curtains, woven denim rugs, or reupholstering fabric for chairs for a fresh shabby-chic look. Make denim into pillows, baskets, or quilts. Make a braided tug-toy for your favorite pooch (make sure he doesn’t swallow the fabric) or, using elastic on each end of a pants leg, make a grocery-bag holder. There are lots of tutorials online with clever ideas for old jeans.
 
Patching
Clothes don’t last forever, especially if worn by kids. Sometimes quick patching can give clothes years more life. Find coordinating or contrasting colors to bring interest to your renovation. You can place the patch on the inside of the worn-out spot and sew it in for added textural appeal.
 
More DIY Wardrobe Renovation Ideas
There are other creative and inexpensive ways to inject new life into your wardrobe.
Update your accessories. Haunt thrift stores and estate sales for sweet vintage statement pieces like bracelets, necklaces, or earrings. Browse vintage stores for a retro leather handbag. A new-to-you set of bangles can bring new sparkle to your ensemble. Or, switch it up with a luxurious-looking, oversized scarf or shawl for a pop of color or pattern. Add an accentuating belt.
Add a few “basics” to your wardrobe. Add a solid-colored jacket or sweater, a classic blouse, or a basic skirt that you can create multiple ensembles with. Thrift stores are a great place to shop. These basic additions can match with pieces already in your closet, providing a fresh look.
Mix and match colors and patterns. This increases your daily ensemble variety and choices. Don’t be afraid to buck the trend of a pattern paired only with a solid. Try some florals with stripes.
Have a clothes swap party. Invite friends over and ask them to bring gently-used clothes, shoes, and accessories. Share your own offerings. You can make this a fun, themed get-together.
Look for classic, casual, or business jackets that you can change out with different blouses and skirts or a good pair of jeans. Elevate an ensemble or rock a casual look, adding versatility to your present wardrobe.
 
The Sky’s the Limit
Renovating and rehabbing your wardrobe can be as extensive and as creative as you want – let your DIY fashion imagination soar. Try out a new painting, sewing, or tie-dye techniques, and if you mess it up, that’s OK: it’s all part of the learning and experimenting process. If you have kids, set them loose with some of their clothes and paint pens or other kid-safe fabric paints.
 
Find Joy in your Wardrobe Again
You can feel good about giving your clothes a new life and a new look. You’ll expand your wardrobe choices while saving money and being a good steward of the Earth.
The clothing manufacturing industry is harsh on our environment. Some companies are showing creativity in using throwaway items like water bottles upcycled into new clothes, handbags, and even bed sheets. However, until all technology improves with more sustainable and recycled materials, you can do your part by not buying new items. Instead, have fun using these techniques to bring new purpose to your existing wardrobe.
 
Originally posted on Porch.com

If you sew, knit, or are working with twine, or even while wrapping gifts, clips can hold strands together for you to keep them from getting knotted up.

Just like putting toilet paper on the 'right' way, keeping toothpaste tubes neat can be a worthwhile relationship aid. There are quite a few devices that are created for the purpose, many of which I've tried and not loved. This is an easy, DIY, free, reuse friendly way to keep everyone a little bit happier.

​Don't have a clipboard handy, or one of those binder clips? Well, you can make a clipboard using a jaw clip and something like a thin, hardcover book, or even some sturdy cardboard. Lay the paper down, attach the jaw clip, and slide the pen inside. Simple.
Or if you need to keep papers from blowing away.
Or outdoor party tablecloths

Finally, when you need to replace hair ties, here are some creative zero waste ideas.

Many organizations collect toilet paper and other basic necessities to help people who may be financially struggling. Programs like Eastside Elders appreciate these common items that can be expensive for people on a limited income. Search here to find a non-profit near you that is in need of extra basics you might have laying around.

You might not realize the benefit a car seat can be to a parent or guardian taking care of babies and young children! Consider donating car seats, strollers, etc to a safety-net program for families like Sharing and Caring Hands. Before you donate items that another family will rely on, be sure they are still safe and double-check the organization's current requests and details for accepting donations.

So many people travel and typically pick up small toiletries, which then end up sitting for months or years on your shelf and then end up in the trash. Instead of letting those travel size toiletries sit or throwing them out, consider donating them to a shelter for youth like Youth Link MN or other shelters near you. For hygiene sake, donate only the unopened ones.

When your car is no longer serving your needs don't just get send it to the junkyard! Many organizations need vehicles to transport those in need or to give a leg-up to someone who needs it. Consider donating vehicles to Sharing and Caring Hands or SEWA

Bedding and blankets are important in a disaster, emergency, and people in need. This is true year-round, and especially during the colder months.
Consider donating bedding, sheets, linens, and blankets with lots of life still in them to transitional housing  programs like Haven Housing, emergency programs like STEP (Saint Louis Park Emergency Program), or programs serving new neighbors like MORE.

So many people just throw away plastics bags, but you can use them to help pets! Not only can you provide resources for animals, when you donate them to this Animal Humane Society,  you also can help keep plastic out of landfills and the ocean.
If you can't find a place to donate them near you (note: in most cities you cannot include them with regular recycling), stores throughout the US will collect & recycle them like Target, Cub and also Goodwill. Find a convenient drop-off near you HERE.

Footwear is essential for those living in Minnesota! We rely on these not only in everyday life and especially in winter! When your shoes no longer serve their purpose in your life consider donating them to the Shoe Away Hunger program where they can be given a new life (drop off sites at all Schuler Shoes), or nonprofit resellers such as ​The Arc where profit from the sale of your items helps individuals with developmental and intellectual differences.

If you have gotten free formula in a brand that you don't use, or find you have extra once your little one no longer needs it, consider donating it (unopened and not expired). Formula can be expensive and it is such a basic item for many babies, it is truly appreciated by ​places serving mothers and children like North Side Life Care Center.

If you get a newspaper to read or just delivered to your home, you can do better than just tossing them when you are done. Animal shelters and rescues, like MN Pocket Pet Rescue, will appreciate your old newspapers to use as bedding for cuddly critters.

Does this sound like you......

You have stuff you no longer need and it's cluttering your space.
A lot of it is still good and could be used, if you could only find out what and who.

If it does, you only need two things to get you started:

1) The Declutter & Do Good Checklist will help you go through your things to find the hidden treasures most needed by organizations.

2) DonateGoodStuff.org shows you specific local organizations that need what you have.

The most important step is to take a step, even if it is a small one.
Start with just one area and go through the checklist below for that space. Set all items you no longer need aside in reused bags or boxes. Search for specific items or categories of items on DonateGoodStuff.org where you will find where and when to bring your items.

​A friend recently posted this on Facebook and I was inspired! I've often had just a few things to donate and they tend to sit in a bag by my back door.....waiting.
So I am passing along this beautiful idea. A way to break the monotony of winter, declutter and organize a little (which always feels good) and do make a difference in your community.
Step 1) Pick something you've been meaning to donate and search for an organization that needs it on Donate Good Stuff.
Step 2) Post on social that you are doing a collection for more of that item and what you'll do with them. Make sure to include a deadline.
Step 3) Once collected, deliver to the organization/s and report back to the group.

Maybe you'll find it so rewarding, you'll decide to make it an annual event, or do it several times a year! We'd love to hear from any of you who have done something like this --  Comment below and share your pics!

If you are interested in doing a bra collection specifically, check out these ideas:

• Free the Girls: This charity assists former sex trafficking victims in need of jobs by setting them up with bra-selling businesses.
• I Support the Girls: A group that distributes essentials like bras, hygiene products, and more to homeless women, poor women, and other women in need.
• Donate Your Bra For A Cause: This charity for collects bras and redistributes them to cancer survivors as well as women’s organizations in need of bras for women in need.
• Be a Dear and Donate a Brassiere: A Bay Area charity that collects used bras and new panties for distribution to women who need them.
• Soma: This lingerie brand often accepts old bras in-store and donates them to homeless women and domestic violence survivors. You might also check with your local lingerie stores to find out if they take donations.
• B.R.A.: The Bra Recycling Agency (B.R.A.) technically doesn’t donate your bras, but it ensures the materials get recycled rather than end up in a landfill.
• The Bra Recyclers: This recycling organization takes care of the donations for you, distributing your old bras to places that need them.
• Local shelters: Your local women’s shelters and homeless shelters might also take bra donations. Check locations near you at www.DonateGoodStuff.org