N※N

Public encouraged to reuse or recycle clothes

  //media-entertainment.news-articles.net/content/ .. blic-encouraged-to-reuse-or-recycle-clothes.html
  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 4:56 GMT by BBC
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Turning Trash into Treasure: How the Public is Being Encouraged to Reuse and Recycle Clothes

In a world where fast‑fashion giants churn out new styles at breakneck speed, the environmental cost of our wardrobe choices has never been clearer. A recent article on AOL News – “Public Encouraged to Reuse, Recycle Clothes” – highlights a growing movement that is reshaping how we think about the lifecycle of clothing. Drawing on a range of sources from local charities to global research studies, the piece paints a picture of a society that is finally taking the first steps toward a circular fashion economy.

The Problem: A Looming Textile Waste Crisis

The article opens by noting that the United States alone throws away an estimated 12 million tons of clothing each year. That’s roughly 2.6 pounds per person of discarded apparel, according to data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Much of this textile waste ends up in landfills where it can take up to 200 years to decompose. In the meantime, the chemicals used in synthetic fibers leach into soil and groundwater, and the energy‑intensive manufacturing process fuels greenhouse‑gas emissions.

The piece cites a recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology that found the fashion industry accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions – a figure that matches that of the aviation sector. It also references the Fashion Revolution organization, whose “10-Year Lookback” report warns that if the trend of “fast‑fashion” continues unchecked, the world will need an extra 200 million tons of landfill space by 2030.

How the Public is Responding

The article argues that, in the face of these numbers, there has been a surge in public interest in clothing reuse and recycling. “We see a noticeable uptick in people taking second‑hand items to thrift stores,” writes the journalist, citing a 32% increase in Goodwill donations between 2018 and 2023. The piece follows a link to Goodwill’s own press release, which highlights new initiatives such as the “Give It A Second Chance” campaign that encourages donors to separate textiles from non‑textiles before dropping them off.

In addition to donation, the article highlights a two‑pronged strategy that the public is adopting: reuse (through swapping and upcycling) and recycle (via textile recycling programs). It references the “Swap & Share” movement, with a link to a local community board where residents exchange clothes at weekly meet‑ups. The journalist quotes a local organizer, Maya Patel, who explains that swapping not only keeps garments out of landfills but also fosters community bonds.

Recycling: Turning Fabric Into New Material

A significant portion of the article is devoted to textile recycling – a process that involves breaking down fibers and re‑spinning them into new yarn. The piece follows a link to “Recycled Wardrobe” (a non‑profit that partners with garment manufacturers), which provides data on how many tons of clothing are processed annually. According to the organization, only 1% of U.S. textile waste is currently recycled, a figure that underscores the need for better infrastructure.

To illustrate, the journalist describes a step‑by‑step process used by a local recycler in Seattle, which follows a closed‑loop model: garments are collected, sorted by fiber type, washed, shredded, and then spun into new yarn. The result is that each kilogram of recycled fiber can save 2,400 liters of water compared to producing the same amount from virgin cotton. The article notes that recycled fibers are increasingly being used in high‑end apparel, citing the luxury brand “Eileen Fisher” that recently launched a “Renewed Collection” entirely made from recycled materials.

Community‑Driven Initiatives

Beyond corporate solutions, the article spotlights community‑driven programs that empower individuals to take action. A link to the “Recycle My Wardrobe” website reveals a national partnership with over 500 local nonprofits that collect clothing for recycling or donation. The site also features an interactive map that lets users locate the nearest drop‑off points, a tool that has boosted participation by 25% in the past year.

The journalist also highlights the “Cloth Swap” program launched by the City of Chicago’s Department of Environmental Protection. A link to the city’s official page shows that the program, started in 2021, has processed over 300,000 items to date. City officials claim that each swap event reduces waste by an average of 10,000 pounds per event.

Consumer Takeaway: Simple Ways to Reuse & Recycle

The article concludes with a practical guide for readers, derived from the research and links cited earlier:

1. Donate Quality Items – Check local shelters or charitable organizations that have open donation days. If you’re unsure about the condition, consider a free‑online appraisal service offered by the charity.

2. Swap with Friends or Community – Join a local swap meet or use online platforms like “Swap.com” to trade items with no cost involved.

3. Upcycle – Repurpose old clothing into tote bags, quilts, or patchwork projects. The article links to a DIY video tutorial on YouTube that walks through a simple patchwork quilt design.

4. Recycle – If an item is beyond repair, look for textile recycling programs in your area. Many retailers now offer in‑store textile recycling bins, and many city waste departments have separate textile collection days.

5. Mindful Shopping – Finally, the journalist emphasizes buying fewer, higher‑quality pieces and opting for second‑hand when possible. “Every purchase is a choice,” the article notes, citing an interview with sustainability expert Dr. Laura Kim from the University of Michigan.

The Bottom Line

The AOL News piece, enriched by data from government reports, nonprofit press releases, and community organization websites, makes a compelling case that the public is beginning to shift its mindset toward a more circular fashion model. While the numbers show that the industry still has a long way to go, the momentum is unmistakable. Every donation, swap, or recycling effort moves us a step closer to a world where clothing’s life is not a single, disposable loop but a continuous cycle of use, reuse, and renewal.