There is research that indicates that the average American throws away 68 pounds of clothing a year.  Why in the world would anyone throw away clothing when there are so many great, and easy, alternatives to getting rid of worn-out or fashion-challenged apparel.

Here are a few ways:

1) Hand me down.  If you are not an only child, or the only male or female in your family, you know what this is.

2) Donate.  There are all kinds of opportunities here.  Goodwill, Salvation Army, Vietnam Veterans, Purple Heart and likely some local options as well.

3) Resell.  Check out local consignment shops, or have a garage sale.

4) Recycle.  I our area there are clothing drop boxes available in many locations.  Textile recycles can make many things from those fibers.  Or, check out www.earth911.org and they can let you know of a location nearest your zip code.

5)  Give them away.  Sign up at freecycle.org where you can find, or start, a local group of like-minded people that offer all kinds of goods for free.  All you need to do is pick them up.

Thanks NRDC.