Hand-me-downs can be a fantastic way to recycle gently used clothes. Let's be honest: A current wardrobe can be costly, and do we really need all of that "stuff"? Don’t get me wrong, I go shopping all the time to check out the current trends in color, styling and even new technology with fabrics, but I’m finally somewhat past wanting (or needing) to have the absolute latest look found on the rack. It finally sunk in that too many of those fantastic hot items that I couldn’t live without are still in my closet a year later, tags in tact. And I know I’m not alone on this one.

For me, shopping has become something I look forward to when I have something specific I want to find. But for other times, I am very flexible and creative. That's when opening a bag of hand-me-downs is actually fun! You really never know what you will find. From time to time, a treasured goodie even prompts us to ask the donor, "Are you sure you want to part with this?" But typically the old adage is true: One person’s trash is another’s gold… And often most rewarding is the glee on the face of someone to whom I’ve returned the favor by offering a bag of goodies that have been plucked from my closet.

Just think about hand-me-downs as a win-win: Besides the fun of giving and receiving new treasures, cleaning out closets and passing along garments can mean savings in our pockets—and also less of a drain on energy production and resources, smaller carbon imprints and less waste. More women, men and children being clothed through little effort and simple acts of kindness—how awesome is that? With the change of seasons right now, why not clean out your closet and organize a swap with your friends? Or make a donation to one of the many reputable charities that clothe needy families?

Now that’s recycling at its best!