Since green is the new black and we’re all supposed to be thinking with our environmental hats on, I’d just like to point out I’ve been fashion neutral for a few years already.

In the same way big business plants trees to compensate for greenhouse gas emissions, I overhaul my wardrobe every time I make a toast-worthy purchase.

Marnie Skillings dress in, something else out. This habit was born of necessity when I lived in a tiny studio apartment. My sister knew every time I’d been shopping, I had to discard something from my cramped built-ins – most likely in her direction – to make space.

OK, so reducing wardrobe clutter won’t give you the same gloating rights swapping a Range Rover for the bus might, but if you’re giving quality cast-offs a second lease of life by sending them to charity, friends or family, then you’re definitely on the right track.

Not that recycling is the only environmentally conscious clothing trick out there. If in the course of a major wardrobe cull there are some pieces you can’t bear to part with that aren’t quite worth archiving (like you would a wedding dress), it helps to bag up the garments in question and stash them at the bottom of your closet.

Think of it as composting. You forget about them for a while – say three seasons or so – then revisit them after they’ve had a chance to flourish in the dark. A recent turning over of the rich compost in my wardrobe revealed up a forgotten vintage pink silk kimono. Not quite as satisfying as dropping a bomb at Ginger & Smart of course, but quite a find nonetheless.

There was also a pair of Sass and Bide pants and a sequinned silk Zimmermann cami that should fetch a pretty price on eBay. Which, let’s face it, qualifies as recycling, too. Naturally it’s also a great way to fill any holes in your wardrobe that occur from going green.

(Image Credits: Bottom left Tony Bianco Court Shoes Lotta $119.95; Top left GlamourPuss Handbag Court Shoes Lotta $119.95; Middle Joobees Earrings $135; Top right Vintage Italian Hat at Melvin and Doyle $170; Bottom right Marnie Skillings Dress at FrockShop.com $660).