Give Your Old Clothes New Life: Sustainable Alternatives to Throwing Them Away

We’ve all been there…..you have a pile of clothes that you can’t sell or donate.  Socks without a match, shirts that have spaghetti stains on them, sweatpants with holes in the knees (Do all boys slide across the floor on their knees??) These days, with more of a focus on the environment and leaving a cleaner planet for our children and grandchildren, it seems like a sin to throw these items away.

At Pedal, we believe in reducing waste and giving new purpose to items that might otherwise end up in a landfill. Instead of tossing out stained or damaged clothing, consider these sustainable alternatives that align with an eco-friendly lifestyle and help you contribute to a zero-waste future.

1. Turn Old Clothes into a Cozy Dog Bed

Rather than discarding your worn-out clothes, use them as stuffing for a DIY dog bed! You can purchase dog bed covers designed to be filled with old fabric, making them both sustainable and cost-effective:

• Molly Mutt Dog Bed Covers – These washable, durable covers let you create a custom pet bed by stuffing them with old clothing, towels, or blankets.

• The Kind Pet Hemp Dog Bed Covers – Made from sustainable materials, these covers provide an organic option for upcycling old clothes.

2. Create Reusable Cleaning Rags

Cut up damaged t-shirts, towels, or cotton clothing to make reusable cleaning cloths. They work well for dusting, wiping counters, and replacing paper towels, helping you adopt a zero-waste cleaning routine.

3. DIY Stuffing for Crafts & Home Projects

• Teddy Bears & Plush Toys – At Pedal, we use repurposed clothing to stuff teddy bears for sick children. You can also use old fabric to stuff your own handmade plush toys.

• Cushions & Throw Pillows – Many retailers sell pillow covers that can be filled with an insert…..or save the earth and stuff it with old clothes! 

• Bean Bag Chairs- Tons of retailers offer bean bag chair covers…..think of all the clothing waste you could keep out of a landfill with JUST ONE bean bag chair!

4. Upcycle into New Fashion & Accessories

• Tote Bags & Pouches – Old jeans and t-shirts can be sewn into durable grocery bags or pouches, reducing plastic waste. Click here for a “how to”!

• Patchwork Quilts – Mix different fabrics to create a sentimental quilt from loved ones’ clothing. Learn how here! 

5. Trade in Your Clothes with Pedal’s Swap Bag Program

Have old clothes you can’t repurpose? Buy a Pedal Swap Bag, send us your unsellable items, and earn 1 credit per bag toward sustainable purchases on our site. This keeps clothing out of landfills and supports our mission of reusing fabric for meaningful projects.

Shop Pedal Swap Bags Now!

By making small changes, we can reduce waste and make a big impact. Which of these ideas will you try first? Let us know in the comments!