Does your wardrobe need a refresh? Here are a few sustainable ways you can re-up your closet while reducing your carbon footprint:
Sell/Donate
Online communities like Freecycle, Nextdoor, and Facebook Marketplace are all great ways to unload your unwanted garments without having to ship items across the country.
Shop
Rethreads | 410 State St.
With a collection fully curated from customer drop-offs, Rethreads often has specialty vintage and collectible items.
Upshift | 836 E. Johnson St.
Bring a bag of your old clothes, and refill it for a $30 flat rate. Pro tip: Don’t forget to grab a complimentary cup of wine while you shop.
St. Vincent de Paul’s | Multiple locations
By fall of 2024, locals will be able to shop at the brand-new Baldwin Street store which is currently under construction.
St. Vinny’s Baldwin Street project is expected to be complete by fall of 2024.
Rendering by Dimension IV
Tailor
Central Library | 201 W Mifflin St.
On Thursdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. the library offers free mending for small wear and tear fixes.
Hawthorne Library | 2707 E. Washington Ave.
The same services done at the Central Library, but on Wednesdays from 12-2 p.m.
Schwa Tailor Shop | 917 Williamson St.
Owner Josh Meier has been sewing for over four decades and opened Schwa in 2016.
Campus Tailor | 459 W. Gilman St. #130
City Editor Ally’s go-to — this shop is affordable, efficient, and cash-only.
Care
Washing with cold water can drastically decrease energy consumption. In tandem, if you’re running low on detergent, skip the supermarket and try out Green Life Trading Company (1334 Williamson St.) instead. Just bring an empty container to the store to fill up with liquid laundry detergent. or try one of the detergent alternatives.
Interested in learning more about practicing sustainability in your day-to-day life? Stop by Sips For Sustain Dane at Olbrich Biergarten on Wednesday, Aug. 16 from 4-10 p.m. The event welcomes all locals who are interested in learning more about sustainability and connecting with like-minded neighbors.
