Opinions Please: Ever a Reason to Throw It Out?
I just read that only 14% of clothing is recycled. ”Recycled” is defined as the clothing being used for another purpose, such as creating another garment, “ragging” them to use them for stuffing for a pillow, or for other uses. This also includes donating them to a cause that redistributes them in tact to wear again. I found that hard to believe! Perhaps I know a lot of people who believe in giving away instead of throwing away, but it got me thinking more and more.
When do you dispose of a piece of clothing? And do people only recycle 14% because the rest is unusable or are they just not educated to do so?
It got me to thinking: When is a piece of clothing truly at the end of its life?
- When it is dangerous: A clothing item may have been damaged in a fire. There could be a chemical spill from an accident or a science class experiment gone awry and it cannot safely be washed, it is eaten away, or is dangerous to handle. Then yes, please dispose of it properly.
- When it is unwearable. No, I think many damaged items can go onto another life. A dress with a ragged skirt, depending on the quality, may be able to live on as a top, or a replacement bodice for another dress. A damaged tie may live on as a fabric piece in a project. Quilting, anyone? Am I really pushing it here?
- Mold. This kind of goes under the dangerous category. Some people have tried to salvage things that have black mold on it. It is dangerous.
- Too worn out. I have seen athletic shoes so “well worn” that they could walk by themselves. They become threadbare and not usable after so many years. However, could they be used in a theatrical production where a local theater group needs a character to be disheveled, a college student who doesn’t shower, or homeless? Do they need a pair of shoes to beat up even more for the character? Ok, maybe it is a stretch here too.
- Bad Memories. Some people throw out cufflinks, or a dress that reminds them of an ex or an ex owned or gave them even if they are perfectly new. Don’t do it! Donate it!
I think i need some therapy after that. Maybe I am a packrat, but I seem to really argue about not throwing things away! Does anyone out there have any suggestions about when it is okay to throw something out, and when, despite naysayers, something can be reused or recycled? Comment with your opinions!
the business of vintage, theater prop closet, trivia, useless information | Comment (0)Mirror Shiny Shoes
Awhile back, I wrote an explanation of the differences between real patent leather and its various substitutes. There is a work boots site that has a pair of poromeric oxfords. In other words, this is the version that is not leather through and through, but it offers the high gloss mirror shine. Often, they are used for certain dress uniforms and occasionally limo drivers. Of course, there are many other uses, but I thought I would point them out.
At the $39.99 price point, you can afford to stock your theater company’s wardrobe with a variety of sizes. They would be perfect for ballroom scenes, as well as for the military officers and chauffeurs that often drop in on the characters in your show.
fashion tips, theater prop closet | Comment (0)
