Millions of jeans are thrown away every second, which only adds to the burden of textile waste. Over 16 million tons of textile waste were produced in the U.S. in just 2018, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and denim contributed a significant portion of that waste. Not only does upcycling those old jeans into new functional pieces help reduce this waste, but it also promotes sustainable fashion and creativity! That's why at Dwij Products we learn as much as we can about upcycling and how you can transform your old jeans into funky bags, accessories, and home goods while bringing down your carbon footprint along the way.
Why Upcycle Old Jeans?
Considering its durability and versatility, denim is a great fabric for upcycling. Instead of throwing them, you can use the old jeans for new clothes that can be useful and stylish. Upcycling is also a major practical way of reducing the carbon footprint involved in producing textiles. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) says it takes around 10,000 liters of water to make one pair of jeans as discussed in the last blog. By upcycling your jeans, you are helping to move toward a more sustainable future and reducing the need for new textile production.
1. Denim Bags
One of the most common and practical methods of upcycling old jeans is to wear a bag. You can turn denim into a unique accessory, whether it is a simple tote, a trendy crossbody bag, or a chic clutch.
How to sew a basic denim bag:
You can use the bottoms from your old jeans and cut them to get a rectangular shape for the body of the bag.
- Use the waistband for the top edge and sew in handles cut from strips of denim.
- Personalize your bag by adding embellishments, think of embroidery, buttons, or patches.
These denim bags are eco-friendly and that makes them durable and functional. According to one study by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, just a nine-month extension of the average life of garments could reduce their environmental impact by as much as 30 percent. Making a new denim tote means breathing new life into your old jeans, which reduces their environmental footprint directly.
2. Denim Accessories
Here is the Denim List of beautiful things you can make by upcycling your jeans into accessories, such as a belt, hairband, jewelry, or more!
Ideas for denim accessories:
- Denim Earrings: Snip some small, triangular pieces from your jeans to hook onto your earring hardware for a more rustic stylish vibe.
Such accessories not only have the potential to personalize your look but also play a significant role in reducing textile waste. According to the Global Fashion Agenda, 92 million tons of textile waste are produced globally every year, and fashion waste is predicted to rise by 60% by 2030. Upcycling your jeans is a great way to address this problem that is only going to grow, all while keeping your style one of a kind.
3. Denim Home Goods
If you enjoy home sewing, denim can also be a perfect choice for home goods, adding warmth, rusticity, and individuality to your space. From cushion covers to rugs, denim’s hard-wearing quality makes it an ideal choice for home decor.
Ideas for denim home goods:
Denim Cushion Covers — Cut your jeans into square or rectangular pieces and sew them into cushion covers. Use the pockets for additional decoration, too.
Not only do these home goods reduce waste, but they can also add unique rustic charm to your home. The textile industry is the second most polluting industry in the world, and upcycling provides a great solution to minimize the adverse impact of textile production. By producing home goods from denim, you are helping to create a greener tomorrow with unique pieces to adorn your home!
4. Denim Pouches and Wallets
Pouches and wallets are great things to make with old jeans (and they’re useful, too)! These beginner-friendly projects are also great gift ideas for friends and family.
How to make a denim wallet:
- You can repurpose the back pockets of your jeans for this easy wallet that has separate sections for cards and cash.
- Add a zipper, button, or snap closure to secure the wallet.
Upcycling denim into pouches and wallets is a fun way to give your old jeans a second life while keeping things you need like your phone and cards well organized. It’s also an environmentally friendly choice to no need to buy a new leather or fabric wallet.
The Environmental Impact of Upcycling
Fashion is one of the biggest sources of pollution. The fashion industry contributes 20% of worldwide water waste and 10% of global carbon emissions, as per the survey and according to a UN Environment Programme report. Upcycling your old jeans decreases the demand for new products and reduces your carbon footprint.
In addition, upcycling reduces the amount of waste that goes to landfills. More than 11.3 million tons of textiles are thrown away each year in the U.S. alone, and jeans make up a big part of that. Upcycling denim to extend its life helps counter this.
Final Thoughts
Upcycling your old jeans into bags, accessories, and home goods is a fun way to reduce waste and contribute to a more eco-friendly future. By repurposing your denim, you’re also helping reduce the demand for more textiles and the cost of waste and creating unique, usable pieces for your closet and home.
At Dwij Products, we believe in sustainability and creativity. And in a little time and with a bit of imagination, you can turn your old denim into something beautiful, functional, and environmentally sustainable. That way, when you go to toss your old jeans, you can think again, upcycle, and breathe new life into them!