Apparels and footwear waste are big polluters
It’s no secret that the fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters in the world. The apparel and footwear sector alone is responsible for 8% of global climate impact, and it’s only growing. With the rise of fast fashion, we are consuming more clothes than ever before, and most of it ends up in landfill.
Importance of apparels and footwear recycling
There are many benefits to recycling clothes and shoes. It conserves natural resources, saves energy, reduces pollution, and supports local economies.
Recycling clothing and footwear conserves water, energy, and other natural resources. It takes significantly less water to recycle a pound of textile waste than it does to manufacture new fabric from scratch. And recycling requires far less energy than producing virgin materials does. In fact, recycling one ton of fabric can save more than 2,000 pounds of coal.
In addition to conserving resources, recycling clothes and shoes helps reduce pollution. The textile industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world – but recycling can help offset its environmental impact. For example, when clothes are recycled into new fibers, they can be used to make products that would otherwise require virgin materials (like carpeting or insulation). This helps keep harmful chemicals out of the environment.
Finally, recycling clothes and shoes supports local economies by creating jobs in the textile recycling industry. Textile recyclers employ workers to sort, clean, and process clothes and shoes for reuse or sale. This provides good-paying jobs and keeps money circulating within the local economy.
If you decide to recycle your old footwear, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure that the shoes are clean and dry before you recycle them. Second, check with your local recycling center to see if they accept footwear. Some centers may only accept certain types of shoes, so it’s important to call ahead or check their website before you drop off your shoes.
How does MyRecycler assist?
There are a number of ways to recycle old footwear. One way is to donate them to a local thrift store or charity. Another way is to upcycle them into something new, such as a pair of slippers or a planter. We can also recycle them into new shoes or other footwear products. The textile industry is the second most polluting industry in the world, after oil. It takes a heavy toll on the environment in terms of water and air pollution, toxic chemicals, and mountains of wasted fabric. Fortunately, there are a growing number of ways to recycle or upcycle clothes and shoes. Here are some of the most popular options at we at MyRecycler use:
- Donate to charity: There are many charities that accept gently used clothing, including Goodwill, The Salvation Army, and Dress for Success.
- Sell used clothes: Have a garage sale, sell items online (eBay, Craigslist), or take them to a consignment shop.
- Recycle textile scraps: Textile recycling programs exist for everything from worn out clothing to carpet padding to sheets and towels. Check with us to see what options are available in your area.
- Make something new: Use those old clothes and shoes to make something completely new! Upcycling is a great way to get creative and reduce waste at the same time.