I read a staggering statistic today. I am always skeptical of statistics, but if this one is remotely true, then it is just a shame. I read that 7% of our landfills are packed with clothes, bedding and shoes. Seriously, there are so many people in need of these things and people just throw them away? Really? That is a good deal of textiles to make up 7% in landfills.
The need for clothes and shoes in our country alone is unbelievable. When you consider that almost half the world — over 3 billion people — live on less than $2.50 a day, how can anyone just throw clothes and shoes away? I am just baffled. I had no idea! I just assumed people did donate their unwanted clothes. I know that so many of my friends have graciously given me so many baby and toddler clothes that I have not had to spend a dime on clothes for Max yet. He will be one at the end of the month and I still have piles of clothes that have barely been worn that I still have on hand for him.
And there are so many worthy organizations that take them. It's a simple drop off to do something good for others and help in greening up your ways. Hell, there are so many organizations that now come right to your door and pick up these items and leave you a nice little receipt for a tax deduction. You don't even have to take the time or waste your gas doing it anymore.
And when my clothes are beyond donating due to the shape they are in, I cut them up and use them for rags. Great for messes, spills, dusting, painting, cleaning, etc. This way I don't have to buy as many disposable products that also fill our landfills. And really, it's not too often that my clothes are in that bad of shape. Generally, we go through clothes so quickly that they never really have a chance to get beyond donating shape. I mean we have to stay trendy you know...
There are so many people that need our help and clothes and shoes are such a no-brainer. Spread the word and donate these things. Such an easy way to make the world a better place.
Ericka, so true! We have friends that have two little boys that are the same age as Ellie and Aidan. They heard missionaries speak about how orphans in Swaziland don't have any shoes. So the eldest, and one of Ellie's best friends, felt so bad that he and his brother went out and collected two duffle bags full of shoes to donate. I just received pictures forwarded by our friends of the orphans with their "new" shoes. One picture had a boy about seven in it and under it was a blurb about how he had prayed for shoes the night before. The very next day, the shoes the two boys collected arrived and he got a new pair of shoes. I talked to my church and we are starting a bin to collect shoes. The biggest obstacle is shipping costs since shoes can be heavy. So, if you have connections and would like to start collecting shoes for orphans sizes newborn to youth 6 let me know. Interesting that you blogged about this very subject. Love ya - Kim
ReplyDeleteKim, I can talk to Carrie as she has experience with shipping stuff to Africa. You are right, it's is expensive. Also, if you have any interest, she is make a trip in a couple months and bringing supplies. The list is posted on my FB page. Bless those little boys! I am thinking about starting a little local charity myself...just not sure how to get started...but I also want to incorporate the people I have met in Africa as well...Love ya girl!
ReplyDeleteWell said Ericka!
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