Week for Minimizing Waste: Transformed Tees
In an effort to reduce plastic waste, one creative individual has discovered various ways to repurpose old cotton t-shirts for a more eco-friendly laundry routine.
- **Upcycle t-shirts into reusable laundry bags and cloths.** By cutting and sewing old t-shirts, you can create laundry bags for delicate items that would otherwise require plastic mesh bags. Additionally, strips of fabric can be used as reusable cleaning cloths, reducing plastic waste from disposable wipes.
- **Opt for plastic-free detergent options.** Swap traditional liquid detergents in plastic jugs for laundry detergent sheets made from plant-based ingredients. These sheets come in minimal or zero plastic packaging and effectively clean clothes without harmful chemicals found in many detergent liquids.
- **Choose natural fibres for cleaning.** Synthetic fibres release microplastics into waterways during washing. Instead, opt for 100% natural cotton from old t-shirts when making cleaning rags or laundry accessories.
- **Air dry clothes instead of using plastic dryer sheets.** Old cotton t-shirts can be used as natural dryer balls or simply air dry clothing to eliminate plastic waste from conventional dryer sheets.
The author also experimented with making reusable, chemical-free dryer sheets by cutting out strips from t-shirts and mixing a vinegar solution with essential oils. However, they found the vinegar to be too strong in one load of laundry. For their next batch, they plan to use equal parts water and vinegar with essential oils to achieve a more balanced solution.
The author invites readers to share their experiences of upcycling clothes they no longer wear, as creativity and sustainability go hand in hand. By adopting these simple changes, you can significantly reduce the plastic footprint of your laundry routine while maintaining cleanliness and fabric care.
[1] Source: Ellen MacArthur Foundation, "A New Textiles Economy: Redesigning Fashion's Future" (2017)
- Embrace a sustainable-living lifestyle by upcycling old home-and-garden items, such as cotton t-shirts, into reusable laundry bags, clothes, and dryer sheets.
- Incorporate sustainable practices in your home-and-garden by choosing eco-friendly laundry products, such as detergent sheets and natural fibers from reusable cotton t-shirts, to diminish plastic waste and promote a greener lifestyle.
