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| http://www.usagain.com/mind-your-waste-infographic |
Textile Waste
Did you know that around 11 million tons of textiles end up
in landfills every year (according to USAgain)? If not,
don’t feel too bad; 78% of people don’t know that, and as a result, textiles
continue to be thrown away. As a matter
of fact, in "Fast
Clothes' Versus 'Green Clothes,” by Elisabeth Rosenthal, an article from
The New York Times, it is reported that the average American throws out almost 65
pounds of clothes and shoes each year, and only 15% of that is recovered for
reuse or recycling. What’s worse is that nearly half of us (48%) throw out
perfectly reusable textiles.
Impact on the
Environment
Textile waste doesn’t just mean more waste in landfills; it
is also a major strain on our natural resources. Per the Natural
Resources Defense Council, the average t-shirt uses at least 700 gallons of
water during the manufacturing process—that’s 140 water cooler jugs! Tossing a
shirt in the trash tosses all this water out with it. But textile waste doesn’t
only exhaust our precious resources; it is also a major contribution to
pollution. Production of just one pound of textiles results in the emission of
more than seven pounds of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur, and
chlorine, just to name a few (USAgain)!
What Is the Solution?
Recycling! There are a few great ways to approach textile
recycling. Thrift and consignment stores, for example, are a perfect way to
thin out your closet while reducing waste and pollution. Because they are often
locally owned, they are also a great way to support the economy in your
community. Another easy way to do your part and support your community is to
make drop-offs to clothing donation bins in your area. Planet Aid is
one great way to locate a donation bin near you. You can also check in with
your local U.S. homeless
shelter and ask about making a drop off.
Even another great solution is contacting your city’s recycling
department to ask that textile recycling be added to your city’s program--
making textile recycling convenient a sure-fire way of ensuring its success.
But maybe one of the best ways we can do our share is to be
conscientious consumers. Instead of buying high volumes of cheap, poorly made
pieces that immediately come apart; we can make fewer, better quality purchases
that will last longer. Bit by bit, each of these small changes will help make a
huge difference.
Resources
