Recycling unwanted clothing reduces landfill waste as well as the amount of resources needed to produce new clothing. It also lessens the waste produced by the manufacturing process --- clothing scraps end up in the landfill, too. Used clothing can be donated, sold or disassembled for the fabric.
There are multiple environmental benefits associated with recycling clothing. It reduces the amount of pesticides used in growing cotton or to make fabrics from petroleum sources and the water needed to dye fabrics, and cuts down on the pollutants, greenhouse gases and volatile organic compounds released into the water and air from manufacturing processes.
Here are a couple of great suggestions, of what to do with any items you might want to discard:
Take items to our local thrift stores. Thrift shops are a great resource for donating or buying used clothing. We have two in Eagle County.
Another great idea is to donate to Dress for Success.org. This company helps to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Dress for Success Denver collects and distributes—free of charge—quality professional clothing and accessories to disadvantaged women who are entering or returning to the workforce.
How to Recycle Patagonia Products
Using recycled polyester lessens our dependence on petroleum as a raw material source. It curbs discards, thereby prolonging landfill life and reducing toxic emissions from incinerators. It helps promote new recycling streams for polyester clothing that is no longer wearable. And it causes less air, water, and soil contamination compared to using non-recycled polyester.
By recycling old products, we can keep many of the same materials in circulation for years. In 2005 we began taking back worn out Patagonia clothing for recycling. Today, you can return any Patagonia product to us and we will reuse it, recycle it into new fabric or make it into a new product.