You didn’t ask me, but I see your point. We all throw away too much that can be re-used. I talk the talk and walk the walk. I belong to a local Freecycle group. Anything that is still usable is probably wanted by someone. People in need are happy to get it. People who want to resell usually only want perfect/new stuff and are no-shows when you list what you are giving away. Then too- the no-show’s are kept track of and you give your stuff to someone else who emails you.
This is a wonderful way to pass on outgrown childrens clothing, household stuff you are replacing with new, etc. Not everyone wastes usable things when it costs nothing to simply give it away.
We try to pass along usable stuff first to family members who need it, then look for friends, acquaintences, friends-of-friends, etc..
Salvation Army has received a LOT of our used clothing over the years.
I find it hard to believe that there's anyone in this country who seriously cannot find food, shelter and basic clothing. At least everywhere I've lived, there are lots of ways to get the necessities covered, at least for a while.
Maybe it's different in NYC. I haven't lived there.
I used to bag up all of our old kid’s clothes for the Goodwill. Was always hard to toss a pair of jeans with a couple of holes or ragged tennis shoes in the garbage. (My son LOVED those jeans with the holes in them!).
For the last year though the bags are going into the attic. Future barter items if necessary. Although every time I toss another bag up there I think of that Proverbs (or something) about storing up treasures on earth that will just get moldy!
Although I still have a couple of boxes of books, toys and stuffed animals waiting for a trip to Goodwill.