Rag Bag
June 25, 2009
Does anyone else have this problem? I cannot throw away clothing, especially after reading about the terrible amount of waste created by the garment industry. This is mostly not a problem–I have no issues about donating gently used clothing to local charities. But the stuff that is really worn out–I run into problems. The first problem is that these items are WORN OUT and NASTY. So no one in their good mind WANTS them. They are only good for RAGS! And that brings me to the second problem–a person only needs so many rags. I currently have about 3 times more than I will ever use (particularly given the frequency with which I clean). I know that this behavior is something I inherited from my mother (she’ll never admit it)–she was always loathe to give up “such a nice piece of clothing” and our closets as kids were filled with hand me downs that we NEVER wanted or wore. She also kept/keeps paper sacks filled with torn up clothing in the pantry as rags. Probably 3 or 4 bags at a time. There’s precedence, but that doesn’t help my own problem, just explains it.I just need to throw them away…
I’m beginning to realize that I am a HOARDER…just the thought is suffocating.
June 25, 2009 at 12:36 PM
If you’re on friendly terms with neighbors or coworkers, find out if they need rags. Most people don’t think to make them from old clothes, and there are projects that really require them.
Alternatively, find out if your nearest high school’s art, shop, or theater classes could use them.
June 25, 2009 at 7:03 PM
That is an excellent idea! I didn’t think of art students, although I do give old towels to animal control…I wonder if they could use anything?
July 8, 2009 at 9:58 AM
Just so you know, Goodwill gets an overwhelming amount of unusable clothing, bedding etc. I recall reading on another post that they in fact sterilize this material and then shred it for stuffing material. Contact your local Goodwill chapter and find out if they participate, or if any other organization participates. I myself take the old clothes that are not garage sale worthy, and cut out the good material (for my material horde – need to get a better sorting system before the hubby has a coronary) and the remainer I cut up for filling myself.