Sustainable Ways To Handle Old Sorority Apparel

So, you've finally made it through all those tough schedules, studying, partying, studying again, and of course, living that sorority life. Kudos, you finally did it! 

But, as you prepare to leave your college life behind and enter the ‘real world’, you realize your closet is filled with custom college apparel. Yeah, some of the sorority tees, sweatshirts, and jerseys are cute enough to be styled but a lot of them just don't make sense in your fashion now.

Before you go on a spring cleaning frenzy and chuck 'em all in the trash, let's have a chat about the impact that decision could have on the planet. 

Spoiler alert: it's not great.

Why Can't I Just Toss Out Clothes I Don't Wear?

Did you know that we Americans toss 13 MILLION TONS of clothing + footwear each year? That's enough to make any eco-warrior cringe. 

To make matters worse, a whopping 85% of used clothes end up in landfills, where they can take up to 200 years to decompose. Talk about a fashion faux pas!

It doesn't get better: clothing dyes and chemicals from those fabrics can contaminate nearby groundwater and soil, and let's not forget about the 2900 gallons of water it takes to grow enough cotton for just one pair of our jeans. Yikes.

But don't freak out just yet. Some sustainable solutions can help you part ways with your pre-loved custom college apparel without harming the planet.

So let's get to it! Here are five easy-peasy ways to give your sorority apparel a second life:

Don’t Think Twice, Donate Them For Good

Yes, we know your beloved sorority apparel is super close to your heart. But this is a hard reminder that you have to let go of the ones you do not wear now. 

And, we understand, we're not just talking about clothes here, we're talking about memories! Those tees and sweatshirts that got you through the best (and worst) of times are more than just fabric, they're a part of your story.

But let's be honest, you can't wear them to every occasion anymore. So, what to do? 

Before you go all Marie Kondo on your wardrobe, give your sorority fashion threads a little love and gratitude. Take a moment to reminisce about the good old days, and then donate them.

Donating your clothes to a local thrift store or charity is a great option for those who want to give back to their community while also helping the planet. 

Think of it as a win-win-win situation! You get to declutter, someone else gets to rock your old hoodie, and the environment gets a break from fast fashion. And who knows your old custom college apparel could be someone else's new favorite item.

Sure, donating clothes isn't always the most eco-friendly option, but it's better than throwing them in the trash. And let's be real, not everyone has the time or energy to resell or upcycle their clothes.

Luckily, there are tons of organizations that will happily take your pre-loved apparel and make sure it goes to the right people. 

Go ahead and check out your local nonprofits, schools, and mutual aid groups to see if they're accepting clothing donations. Just make sure your clothes are in good condition before you drop them off and you're likely set!

Sell Thy Clothes To Mint Extra Money💸

If you're feeling entrepreneurial, you could sell your pre-loved sorority apparel on online marketplaces like Depop or Poshmark. 

Not only will you be recycling your clothes, but you could also make a little extra cash for those post-grad expenses. Who knows, maybe your new sorority sister will buy it and keep the memories alive. 

Selling your unwanted clothes is a lot more sustainable than throwing them out because you help upcycle clothes that would otherwise end up in landfills. It's a great way to buy and sell second-hand, vintage, and designer clothing (if you are truly decluttering your closet!) at a fraction of the retail price.

You can simply list the items yourself, take high-quality pictures, and have success. And, as we already mentioned, there are so many apps that will help you do so! 

In fact, if you are serious about selling your pre-loved clothes on a regular basis, then here are two wonderful guides on how to do it:

• Sell your used clothes online to make money (fast!). 
• How to *actually* sell clothes online, from taking photos to shipping. 

JSYK, the second-hand clothing market is expanding rapidly. More and more people are buying vintage clothing and shopping in thrift stores. Buying used clothing is becoming cool again. YAY!!! 

Freshen Them Up With ART

Upcycling is the name of the game, ladies. That's right, turn those old custom college apparel into something new and exciting. Think outside the box. Give that oversized tee a makeover and turn it into a crop top, or even a fun and funky headband. 

Who knew that old flannel shirt could be transformed into patchwork for your jeans? Or turning your sorority tees into a cozy quilt is possible?

And don't forget about those pesky stains that just won't come out - upcycling is the perfect way to cover them up while adding a pop of color to your wardrobe. 

Now all you gotta do is swing by your local craft store and grab some iron-on letters to transform that old sweatshirt into a whole new look.

Upcycling is the future of fashion, so you know you are already ahead of the game.

SWAP, SWAP, SWAP! 

One way to keep your clothes in the sisterhood is by engaging in online shirt swaps. Tyne Riddick, a member of Delta Gamma from the Alpha Delta chapter, knows the drill. 

She raves about the Delta Gamma Shirt Swap on Facebook, where you can keep DG clothing among DG women.

"Swapping among fellow sisters was a way to accommodate that “rule”," she explains. "Every chapter is different, so be sure to check with your chapter’s policy on apparel. Regardless, the shirt swap is really simple and a great way to keep your clothing out of landfills."

Plus, who knows, maybe your old sorority sweatshirt will become someone else's new favorite piece! With a community of twenty-four thousand members, there's bound to be someone who wants what you're offering.

Next time you're thinking about tossing that old t-shirt away, consider joining a shirt swap group and keep the sisterhood strong while also doing your part for the planet. 

Spend Time On CARING 

Let's face it, we've all got a few outfits that have seen better days. But before you toss them out and hit the mall for some retail therapy, consider repairing and caring for your clothes instead. 

Sure, shopping for new threads is fun, but repairing and reusing what you already own is not only eco-friendly but also budget-friendly. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good deal?

So, grab that sewing kit and patch up those holes like a pro. And if sewing isn't your thing, no worries, there are tons of online tutorials to guide you through the process.

Here's another pro tip: washing your clothes in lower temperatures can make them last longer. Not only will you save on energy bills, but you'll also be doing your part in reducing carbon emissions.

And who knows, you might even start a trend in your sorority where everyone is flaunting their revamped pre-loved outfits.

Remember, a little love can go a long way in making your clothes last longer, get upcycled, and donate. All of those efforts help reduce your carbon footprint! So, let's think of all the alternative options before we decide to toss any of our custom college apparel.