Mr. and Mrs. Green Jeans

You've traded your toxic cleaning supplies for earth-friendly alternatives, started recycling and think that you've created a pretty green home all around. Did you think about your closet?

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, 11.8 million tons of textiles were generated in 2006. While a large percentage ended up in landfills, the textile recycling industry prevents 2.5 billion pounds of post consumer textile product waste from becoming garbage. That adds up to about ten pounds of clothing for every American. That's a whole lot of sweaters for one person to wear!

However, like all of the ecological challenges we face, there are quite a few solutions within reach. Don't just throw your old clothes out with last night's leftovers. Organizations like the Salvation Army and Goodwill can arrange a pickup at your house, and always have tax write-off receipts at the ready Or, if you can't bear the thought of your Guccis and True Religion jeans being hauled off on an anonymous truck, sell them to a place like Buffalo Exchange where your designer duds can return to their rightful home in a store display window. Instead of filling their floors with traditional merchandise, the Tucson-based retailer (with outposts across the country) buys used clothing from customers and gives used items a new life. Buffalo Exchange buyers are picky with their purchases, which is a blessing for the savvy consumer who is looking for more than Guadalajara ponchos and polyester slacks.

Do you think used or vintage clothing can be a fashionable way to go green? If so, what's the best purchase you ever made? [KNTV]