Purple heart pick up

What do you do when your closet is overflowing with too many shirts, sweaters and coats? Do you just dump them in the garbage and wish for the best or do you go out of your way to recycle? When going the green route seems like a little too much work in your already heavy week, it’s time to clear up some misconceptions. Clothing drop off locations have become more accessible than ever before, making it incredibly easy to get rid of clothes you don’t want without going out of your way. Even better? You’ll be doing a great service to your community, your national economy and the environment at large.

It’s not too good to be true. Learn more about how charitable clothing donations help the world go ’round.

Clothes are one of the most frequently tossed sources of trash in the United States…yet, surprisingly, they are also the most easily recycled. The vast majority of textiles discarded into landfills on a daily basis are able to be re-purposed and put right back into the environment with little trouble. What does this mean for you? Not only do you have affordable clothing stores to shop from, you also have an economy that is more well-funded and an environment that is less strained.

This problem is even more widespread than you may think. It’s estimated Americans will send a collective 10 million tons of clothing to landfills every single year. Despite about four billion pounds of clothing being donated in the same span of time, too many landfills are getting higher and higher because of a lack of awareness about the benefits of clothing donations. These are a major strain on the environment as well as a source of toxic chemicals that can negatively impact wildlife and surrounding communities.

Not only will you make the environment cleaner and reduce the need to constantly search for new materials with clothing drop off locations, you can even save a little on your tax write-off. Men’s overcoats and suits, for starters, are worth as much as $60 on your taxes. The IRS requires a qualified appraisal to be submitted alongside your yearly tax return if you donate either a single clothing item that is either in used condition or better. Remember to keep your receipt close at hand so you don’t run into any snags when spring rolls around.

You can even do a lot of good by sharing what you’ve done with others after visiting any number of clothing drop off locations. The vast majority of social media users at 70% have been found to take action in response to a friend or family member posting a story about their charitable donation. In other words, being vocal about your household donations and spreading the word can cause a chain effect that sees used clothing donations becoming as commonplace as recycling plastic bottles or newspapers.

What kind of clothes can you donate? Any you can think of. Shirts, dresses, shoes, pants, jackets, skirts, leggings, scarves, belts and hats are all welcomed at the vast majority of thrift shops and charitable organizations. It’s important to remember, however, they need to be gently used. This means no gaping holes, burns or tears. A little wear-and-tear, on the other hand, is perfectly normal and to be expected. The best charities to donate to can be nationwide or in your own community. Whichever you feel will do the most good!

Clothing drop off locations also make dropping off your clothes or calling workers to pick up boxes at your home a breeze. Do some good this year for your taxes and your neighborhood alike by giving away those sweaters you don’t wear anymore. The benefits will be felt for years to come.

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