If you’re looking to shop sustainably and support local Black-owned businesses, then it’s about time you heard about online consignment store, Effortless. This Toronto-based store was founded Justine Stinvil two years ago after she decided to switch to a more sustainable and eco-conscious way of shopping.
Effortless makes the whole experience, well, effortless as it offers a pick-up service to clients in downtown Toronto.
Justine understands that purging and decluttering your closet can feel stressful and her research revealed she wasn’t the only one who felt that way. Once you’ve coordinated a pick-up, the team will collect your gently-worn items that’ll live on the site for 2 months.
If clothes aren’t sold within that window, then you can either get them back or choose to have them donated to Diabetes Canada who Effortless has partnered with for donations.
Once your items have sold, clients get 40% back from the sale of the clothes that Effortless picks up.
Wondering how to get your clothes to sell? Effortless suggests that you share on your social media accounts that you have items available on the site. Plus, when organizing your clothes for pick-up, the service also encourages you to ask yourself, ‘“would I buy it?”
Brands that Effortless is looking for range from high-end brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., and Gucci to high street faves like Aritzia, Topshop, Frank And Oak, ASOS, and many more.
Keep in mind that Effortless doesn’t accept items that are more than three years old, made with fur, or are counterfeit.
The online consignment store offers domestic and international shipping but if you’re based in Toronto, then you can arrange pick-up in Liberty Village.
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Even if you feel like you have nothing to wear, the reality is that most of our closets are jammed full with clothes!
The majority of what we own, sadly, rarely sees the light of day, and while you could let it hang there and gather dust, or get caught up in the KonMari method and recycle it. Whatever you do, just don’t throw it away! That dress, or t-shirt could be repurposed, donated, traded, or recycled — you could even get rewarded in the process with money off your next purchase. Recycling isn’t only good for the planet, it’s also good for your wardrobe and wallet, too.
Skip the dumpster and take a look at 7 ways to recycle your old clothes.
Use this Toronto-based used clothing pickup service
Instagram/@effortlessca
If you’re the type of person who likes the idea of recycling your clothes at consignment and secondhand stores but hates the process, there’s now a Toronto service for you. Effortless, a free pickup service, will come directly to your humble abode, take your old clothing, and then sell it for you in their online shop. You’ll reap 50% of the profit and be kind to the planet without even lifting a finger.
Bring used apparel and shoes to the North Face for a $10 reward
Instagram/@jeannineavelino
Being an outdoor apparel company, it totally makes sense that The North Face has its own in-store recycling program. Titled Clothes the Loop, consumers can bring in clothing and footwear of any brand and receive a $10 reward towards a $100 purchase. Just drop your old items off at one of the designated bins.
Upcycle old clothing into something entirely new
Instagram/@firesidecottagegifts
Upcycling old clothes into something entirely new like this cute rug made of old t-shirts can be a fun and easy DIY project. You can also try other simple upcycles like this headband, or simply use old t-shirts or cotton shorts as rags.
Drop off lightly worn duds at any H&M store for a voucher
Instagram/@yulya_s_julia
Another fast fashion company who has a great in-store recycling program is H&M. Similar to The North Face, you can drop of clothing of any brand, but also in any condition! It doesn’t matter if it’s extremely worn or torn, H&M will take it in one their garment collecting boxes that are housed in every single store. In return, you’ll get a voucher towards your next purchase.
Sell garments you no longer wear on a second hand app
Instagram/@carousell.ca
In case you need some reminding, there are a ton of apps and websites that make it relatively easy to sell your old clothing. Carousell is perhaps one of the most popular, and we’ve actually tried it before and found success. Facebook groups are always a good bet, too, since you can keep things local and don’t need to worry about shipping.
Try trading lightly worn and stylish items on Bunz Trading Zone
Instagram/@bunz_official
Another online community that could give your old clothes purpose is Bunz Trading Zone. If you’re based in the GTA, it never hurts to post some of the more stylish or novelty garments you want to dispose of, and possibly get something you need in return. Rather than getting cash and accidentally spending it on something you shouldn’t, trade for something useful.
You can also take your clothes to American Eagle to be recycled
American Eagle teamed up with I:COLLECT (I:CO) back in 2014 to initiate an in-store recycling program. You can drop off unwanted clothes, textiles, and shoes in one of the I:CO marked donation boxes and then receive a code via text for $5 off a pair of jeans. The only catch is that it has to be used in-store on the same day, so it may be best to wait until you’re in need of new denim.
Featured image: Public Domain Pictures
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