Reflect on World Environment Day! Sustainable ways to say goodbye to your old handbags

Hello everyone! Nanami from LOVST TOKYO here.

June 5th is "World Environment Day." It's a day to collectively reflect on the importance of environmental preservation and to use it as an opportunity for action.

At LOVST TOKYO, we value the belief that we want to support individuals who experience "guilt" while leading a lifestyle that considers animals and environmental issues. For example, when considering discarding a bag that has been dormant in your closet, have you ever felt a sense of unease?

 

"I feel guilty about throwing away a bag I no longer need as trash."

"I'm not in the mood for it anymore, but maybe I should force myself to keep using it..." 

 

So, this time, I've researched sustainable ways to say goodbye to handbags that have served their purpose!

 

Judge how to say goodbye based on the bag's condition

First, check the condition of your handbag and decide how you want to part with it!

 

Cases where it's too good to dispose of 

 "It's a little dirty, but some people might not mind..."

"It's slightly used, but there are no broken parts, and it still seems usable."

 In such cases, it feels like a waste to just throw it away, doesn't it? A bag that you're no longer in the mood for might appeal to someone else. Consider methods to connect it with a new owner, such as selling it as a second-hand item.

Proceed to "Connect it with a new owner"

 

Cases where the bag has fully served its purpose

"The surface is faded or scuffed, giving it a worn-out appearance."

"There are tears or broken parts." 

While there are ways to continue using it after repair, if that's not possible, it might be necessary to consider boldly disposing of a bag that you feel has "fully served its purpose."

However, many people may be reluctant to simply discard it as trash. In such cases, it is recommended to put it out for collection that leads to material recycling.

Proceed to "Put it out for collection where materials can be recycled" 

Let me explain each method in detail!

 

 How to connect with a new owner

1.Try listing it on a flea market app

Recently, with the increase in services that allow anonymous interactions, flea market apps have become easier and more casual to use. By using a popular major service, it becomes easier to connect with people who like the same brands and find a new owner. This is a great advantage.

I myself often use it when I want to part with clothes or bags that no longer suit me. Also, the ability to use the sales proceeds for in-app purchases is a nice bonus.

 

2. Take it to a recycle shop or second-hand clothing store

If you're not the type to wait for an item to sell after listing it on a flea market app, then bringing it to a recycle shop or a second-hand clothing store is highly recommended.

Compared to flea market apps, there's no need for packaging or registration for listing, and you can get an appraisal and be bought out on the spot. Additionally, some stores offer mail-in purchases in addition to direct drop-offs, which is convenient when you have multiple items you want to get rid of at once.

 

3. Utilize clothing and bag swap events

"Clothing swap events" allow you to part with items that have been dormant in your closet with a little joy. A clothing swap event is where you bring one unwanted item and can take one item in return. Shoes and bags are often included, and some swap events even allow you to try them on. 

You can say goodbye with a peaceful heart, as you witness the moment when a bag that has served its purpose for you becomes something someone else needs. Search for "clothing swap event" on social media to find information on upcoming events – why not check it out?

 

How to dispose of materials for recycling

1. Bring unused bags to brands that collect them

Recently, more brands have started collecting their own products in stores for recycling.

For example, outdoor brand "Patagonia" collects almost all of its own products, not just bags. In fact, for the Spring/Summer 2023 season, approximately 98% of the products released were made from recycled materials.

Most brands that offer collection services simply require you to place items in a designated box at their store, making it easy to drop them off.

 

2. Check if your local government offers used clothing/item collection

If the brand of your handbag doesn't offer a collection service, you could also consider utilizing local government services. 

For example, Matsudo City in Saitama Prefecture has dedicated collection boxes at the city hall for bags and shoes. Items placed in these boxes are primarily reused overseas. It might be a good idea to check if your local government offers a recycling collection service.

 

Ease your guilt with a comfortable farewell

This time, I introduced sustainable ways to say goodbye to your handbags, catering to the "guilt of throwing away something still usable." When you purchase a new bag from LOVST TOKYO, it often means that a bag that has served its purpose is in the background. If you're ever unsure about disposal, please try the methods I've suggested.

I hope this article has helped alleviate some of your worries.