From Rags to Riches - Dottie Dabrowska

Rags to Riches

If you’ve never heard of the six months rule, it’s time you cleared out your closet – and felt the full force of being cruel to be kind.

Here in the New Forest, we’re very good at recycling our paper and glass, but we’re not so quick with our clothes.  But recycling textiles saves on landfill, saves space in your own home, and helps charities.

There’s a variety of charity shops that will be grateful for your good quality clobber, while textile banks throughout the area are great for your less than lustrous clothes, blankets and shoes.

“Very little gets wasted. Good quality clothes can make vital funds for charity shops, and textiles, especially cotton, can go to third world countries.  Even your old rags have a variety of uses, including filling for mattresses,” said Kirsty.

British Heart Foundation Area Manager, Debbie Cheeseman, couldn’t agree more.  The charity’s New Milton shop handles about 500 pieces of clothing and more than £2,000 every week.

“The charity relies on proceeds from our shop to help with vital research, preventative education and care for people with heart disease.

“Everyone benefits.  There is no stigma to buying second hand clothes and you really can get some incredibly good quality, individual and stylish pieces for very little money.  And you’re not relying on exploitation of labour to keep your costs down. "It's great for people donating too. It always feels good when you have had a good sort out ready for the new season," said Debbie