Australians Have $25 Billion in Unworn Clothing They Can Donate From Home

Australians have an estimated $25 billion of unworn clothing hiding in wardrobes around the country, and the Red Cross is trying to make it easier to get some of that hidden fashion fortune to the people who need it most.

New research from Red Cross and Uber found that the average Australian owns 63 items of clothing, with nearly a fifth (17 per cent) of it going unworn.

That adds up to more than 231 million items of clothing sitting idle – enough to cover 42 football fields.

It comes as the two organisations team up for the seventh year for the Uber x Red Cross Clothing Drive.

On Saturday, October 18, Australians in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth can book a free Uber Courier pick-up from 10am to 4pm so they can donate high-quality unwanted clothes to the Red Cross without having to leave home.

”Our research shows Australians are proactive about decluttering, with nearly half clearing out their wardrobes every six to 12 months, but some people are confused about what – and how – to donate,” Red Cross head of retail Richard Wood said.

“The nation is holding onto billions of dollars’ worth of clothes that can be helping people in need. With Uber by our side, the clothing drive is a simple, free way to give back without even leaving your home.”

The organisation’s research found 61 per cent of Australians would give to charity if it was easier, while others are too time poor or uncertain to donate properly.

“We’re now calling on Australians to do their spring cleaning with a great cause in mind, and donate clothes that are clean, wearable and in good condition,” Wood said.

“Every item helps stock our Australian Red Cross Shops, which directly fund our humanitarian programs to support some of our most vulnerable communities. We see the impact these donations make every day, and all Aussies can be a part of this.”

On October 18, the Uber and Uber Eats apps will display a Red Cross Clothing Drive option for people to book the free courier.

Donated items should be in a box or container that weighs no more than 20kg.