Luckily, sustainable clothes hanger options abound today catering to the savvy green consumer. Beyond standard plastic and wire versions destined for landfills after each use, innovative companies now craft durable hangers from recycled, biodegradable and natural materials. Investing in quality green hangers reduces environmental impact while keeping your wardrobe neatly organized.
Classic Wood Hangers
Wood ranks among the most traditional sustainable materials used for durable, attractive hangers. Opt for Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wooden hangers made from renewable maple, cedar and mahogany woods sourced responsibly. Well-crafted wood hangers withstand years of reliable use before recycling – plus many companies now offer refurbishing services extending their lifespan. The classic simplicity of wood suits most closets beautifully.
Recycled Paper Plastic Hangers
For the ultimate in recycled hangers, choose eco-friendly options made completely from repurposed paper and plastic waste. Old newspapers and corrugated cardboard get shredded and compressed with non-toxic binders into sturdy molded paper pulp hangers. They feel substantial in your hand and bear weight evenly while inviting creative embellishments like decoupage and paints. Similarly, recycled plastic hangers give new life to old yogurt cups, bottles and containers that may take over 450 years to decompose in landfills.
Natural Biodegradable Materials
Beyond wood pulp paper, hangers and clothes hangers crafted using renewable bamboo, water hyacinth reeds and plant starches offer sustainable alternatives with attractive visual textures. Bamboo hangers showcase appealing light grain patterns which can be etched for personalization. Water hyacinth harvested from buoyant equatorial freshwater plants gets woven into biodegradable hangers unaffected by moisture. Other natural materials like wicker and coconut husk work well for lighter-weight accessories and undergarments.
Hanger Take-Back Reuse Programs
Conscientious companies increasingly offer hanger buy-back and reuse initiatives keeping discards out of oceans and landfills while minimizing new plastic manufacturing. Customers receive credit toward future purchases for mailing back used hangers for systematic cleaning and refurbishing. The sturdy hangers get fitted with new vendor labels and hook caps before redistributing in recycled packaging. This closed-loop cycle facilitates optimal reuse of quality source materials rather than starting fresh.
Do-It-Yourself Upcycling
For the ambitious DIYer, consider upcycling discarded materials into inventively repurposed custom hangers reflecting personality. Fuse colorful broken sea glass shards along the edges of salvaged wooden shirt hangers using clear silicone caulk. Wrap bare wire hangers tightly with colorful old t-shirt yarn or recycled ribbon. Or give new life by spray painting secondhand hangers from thrift stores in creative ombre hues. Adding a touch of craftiness both reduces waste and showcases sustainability in action!
The basic hanger may seem an unlikely focal point for advancing environmentalism. But by supporting companies actively developing recycled, natural and sustainable hanging solutions, the combined impact dramatically lessens closet waste accumulating in landfills over decades. Seek out quality green hangers improving eco-sourcing credentials while keeping favorite wardrobe items smoothly stored inside your uniquely personalized closet space.
