(WIFR) – According to Earth.orgthe average American consumer throws away more than 80 pounds of clothing each year.

That’s one reason local organizations are gearing up for the holidays by preparing people for a more sustainable holiday season.

From a community sewing lesson in Beloit, Wisconsin, to a class at Atwood in Rockford discussing the benefits of supporting farmers and growing a garden, both events show how you can make a difference in your community.

“Think global, act local” is the message Shae Morelock of the Rockford Park District has adopted throughout her life.

“Even though everything seems huge, what can we do locally around us that can make a difference,” Morelock says. “And that goes hand in hand with supporting local businesses, perhaps growing your own garden.”

Buying meals at your local supermarket may seem more convenient this holiday season, but Morelock says it has a negative environmental impact and there is a better alternative.

“This time of year, you may not think about farmers’ markets, but many still have indoor farmers’ markets,” Morelock says.

Morelock’s message has also made its way to the city of Beloit, teaching individuals how to extend the life of their clothing through sewing, which can also reduce fabric waste and contribute to a healthy lifestyle more durable.

“Not only donating your clothes, but first seeing if you can reuse them and repurpose them like we do with sewing, but you can also turn them into a rag or a blanket,” says Joy Figueroa of Beloit College Collage. Club.

Figueroa says a simple step toward a more eco-friendly wardrobe is to mend your clothes instead of going out and buying something new.

“If your clothes are viable enough to still be worn and you don’t want to wear them anymore, give them to a friend first, knowing that someone you know will use them,” says Figueroa. “Even if you give it to a thrift store, there’s a chance it could end up in a landfill and you want to do your best to consciously reduce waste.”

In January, a Rockford sewing studio launched its “30 Wears For 2024” initiative, encouraging people to wear an item of clothing 30 times, even if it has a rip, because trimming it can extend the life of the item. article from several years ago.

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful also hosts clothing drives and partners with Goodwill to get the most out of everyone’s clothing. If Goodwill can’t sell it, a place in Wisconsin can turn it into products like insulation.

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