The document discusses the significant economic and environmental impact of textile and clothing recycling, highlighting the millions of pounds of textiles sent to landfills each year. It emphasizes solutions such as consumer donations, municipal recycling advocacy, and ethical fashion practices to promote sustainability. The piece outlines the challenges faced in the recycling pipeline due to a lack of support and knowledge among various stakeholders.

1. Economic Impact of Textile & Clothing Recycling Jana Hawley article Presented by: Deirdre Littlejohn

2. Summary There are millions of pounds of clothing and used textiles sent to the landfill each year There are many ways to divert this highly recyclable matter from landfills Consumers Giving to charities Don’t throw away old clothes, recycle them Lobby for curbside pick up of old clothing Businesses Sell to rag dealers Export used apparel and textiles Governments Policies that enable recycling pipeline Curbside/ municipal collection of textiles

3. Problem Too much sent to landfill High cost Taking unnecessary space and land Textile industry is “hidden” Black markets Not approved by Lack of government support Lack of knowledge and support of system

4. Parties Involving Myriad of participants Textile producers(pre- consumers) Textile consumers Pre vs. Post Textile recycling pipeline participants Charities and second hand retailers Rag dealers- Graders Market sellers Engineers, fashion designers, industry leaders

5. Environmental/ Economic Issue Textiles being sent to landfills Textiles are consumed heavily in developed & developing countries Fashion Cycles versus conservative consumption Avg. cost to dump in U.S. landfill - $70 a pound Avg. American throws away 68 pounds of clothing and textiles a year Old clothing and textiles are almost 100% recyclable

7. Discussion of proposed solutions Consumers: Donate to charities, never through textiles into the trash Advocate for textile recycling in your local municipality Pre- Consumers: Proper disposal for “un-wearables” sold to poorer countries Incineration of reclaimed fiber Textiles as alt fuel source What about Ethical Fashion?

8. Environmentally Responsible Production Ethical fashion- An approach to: Design, Sourcing , & Manufacture … of clothing which is both socially and environmentally conscious and Sustainable. What about Disposal ?

9. Retooled Fashion

10. New Products from Old

11. Unexpected Materials

12. New Textile Options Marcia Ganem Polyimide Garments