Awareness of the importance of recycling waste is now widespread across all sectors, from food to technology and fashion. But what about at home? How many clothes are lying unused in the wardrobe? Between items that have gone out of fashion and those we no longer wear because they are too small, our wardrobes are the emblem of waste and bad habits.

Fabric is a valuable resource with many possibilities for reuse. By correctly recycling used clothes, we can give them a new lease of life and transform them into even more interesting and original items. The fashion industry has picked up on this trend and, today, initiatives in this area are plentiful.
H&M, the Swedish low-cost brand, for example, has embraced this concept of eco-sustainable fashion and, in all its stores worldwide, has launched a collection scheme for textile products of any brand and in any condition; everyone who takes part in the Long live fashion initiative receives a discount voucher redeemable from their very next purchase.

This is just one of the ideas in circulation for recycling textile waste. Also supported by the difficult economic crisis currently under way, swapping has proved another valid alternative. This is demonstrated by L'armadio verde, Italy's first swap shop where it is possible to exchange branded, high-quality children's clothing. A low-environmental-impact initiative that saves money for mothers and teaches children about sustainability.

The web is full of green shops. Reoose is an eco-store for reuse and swapping that draws inspiration from the philosophy of the three Rs: recycling, reducing waste and saving; not by chance, as its founders state, "Italians waste 1.6 million euros on unnecessary purchases that will end up relegated to the cellar or, worse, in landfill".

Simple actions can achieve a great deal, and recycling used clothes is one of those small everyday gestures that could substantially reduce waste. Let's not forget that.