When was the last time you looked inside your wardrobe?
Really looked?
Did you see hangers filled with unworn items, labels still attached, and quickly look away before a serious onset of buyer's guilt set in?
Or did you simply see your life 10 years ago?
If either of these cases fit, you are not alone, and should probably consider a clothing cull.
But wait.
Rather than throw out old or unused clothing, consider the options available to reduce and recycle because clothing waste is a serious issue.
While figures on clothing waste in New Zealand are not available, in the United Kingdom reportedly as much as 30kg of clothing and textiles, per person, ends up in landfills every year.
The environmental impact of clothing becomes twice as bad when the energy, water and chemicals that go into producing it are taken into account.
Growing cotton relies heavily on insecticides and water - 10 tonnes of water are used to make one pair of jeans, according to sustainability.govt.nz, a Ministry for the Environment website.
Producing man-made and synthetic fibres is also an energy intensive process, as 33 megajoules of energy is used to make the fabric needed for a viscose top, the equivalent of using a one-bar electric heater for nine hours.
Then there is the environmental cost of shipping items to New Zealand from offshore manufacturers, and the energy used in washing and drying them over their lifetime.
The problem only increases as the days of making-do and mending recede into memory.
What was once lovingly crafted, highly valued, and handed down has become cut-price and throwaway.
But do not despair.
There are alternatives.
It is important to consider what you already own and a good way to do this is by conducting an audit of your wardrobe.
This will give you a better idea of what you have, what you could buy to make your wardrobe more versatile and what you do not need or want any longer.
Consider the items you wear on a regular basis - a favourite pair of jeans, work suit or dress which never fails to catch a compliment - and match them with items you already have and like, to create different looks.
Sometimes a bit of experimentation can lead you to discover new ways of wearing clothes and give them a new lease on life.
This audit will also help you see clearly if there are any gaps in your wardrobe: perhaps a quality winter coat, a certain style of belt, a V-neck top or a different style of heel.
By understanding what you have and what you may need, you will be better prepared next time you hit the shops and will be less likely to buy on impulse.
It is important to think before you buy.
This may seem obvious, but how often are you in a rush, see something on sale, and think "I've had a top like this before, I'm sure it will be great", or manage to convince yourself that high-waisted acid wash jeans really can suit anyone?
It is also good to consider how long the clothes will last you.
Remember, quality clothes may cost more initially, but will last longer and are less likely to date. By avoiding fashion faux-pas and unnecessary purchases you are helping reduce waste in the long run.
Once you have cleared out some space in your wardrobe, it is time to pack up those once-loved items, or mistake purchases, and hand them on to someone who will use them.
Charity stores are always grateful to receive your good-quality second-hand clothes, the proceeds of which will help them in their work in the community.
Shopping at these stores, many of which have retro and vintage sections, will also help decrease your clothing footprint.
Another way to get rid of old clothes, and possibly inherit some as well, is to hold a clothes-swap event with friends or colleagues.
Simply get everyone together, display available items and let the interchange begin.
If you would rather try to get money for those designer garments you have not worn in a long time, several stores in Dunedin will either buy them, or sell them on your behalf.
