In the old days we had rag and bone men, who took your old clothes and recycled them. We don’t see them around any more, but there are still businesses specialising in reclaiming textiles, many of them supplied by the charity sector.

You can dispose of good condition second-hand curtains through The Curtain Exchange , who will even pay you for them should they be re-saleable.

Alternatively, give them to a charity shop.

For a start, don't just accept a coat hanger with every item of clothing you buy - do you really need another one?

Wooden hangers are better than plastic - especially if they are from a sustainable source.

If you have excess hangers, give them to a charity shop, or even your dry cleaner.

Charity shops will take pairs of shoes in good condition.