Let’s be honest. What do you normally do with your worn-out denim? Do you throw them away when you can no longer wear them? Or maybe you just leave them sitting in your closet even though you know it's highly unlikely you'll ever wear them again. I admit that I’m guilty of keeping clothes for extended periods of time, knowing they won't see the light of day. I have a pretty strong feeling I’m not alone. That’s why I’m excited to bring awareness to Cotton’s Blue Jeans Go Green denim recycling program. Essentially what they do is divert tons of textile wastes from landfills and transform it into new items like pet bed inserts, food packing insulation, and more!
WHY SHOULD YOU RECYCLE DENIM?
Because It’s the right thing to do! Did you know that the average American throws away 70lb of textile per year?* When you throw away denim, it can end up in landfills. By recycling we save energy, conserve natural resources, and reduce the need for landfill space. You’ll be doing a good deed for the planet.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
It’s actually pretty simple and you can make a huge difference. I’m challenging you to join me in participating in the #denimstackchallenge. Here’s how:
Step 1. Sort through your closet and gather the old denim that you want to donate. More than half of consumers say they regularly use only about 20% of the clothes in their closet.* If you’re in the number, go ahead and start sorting. Oh, and be sure to check the tag to ensure it’s at least 90% cotton.
Step 2. Snap and upload a pic for the Gram so that we can encourage others to join in. Don’t forget to use #denimstackchallenge.
Step 3. Drop it off at one of Cotton’s many participating retailers or mail it in for free via Zappos for Good.
It’s that simple! Not only will this help you declutter. You will also be doing your part in making the world greener. Because denim made from cotton, a natural, sustainable fiber, it can be used for new things. Together we can combine our efforts to put recycled denim to good use.
Over the last few years, I’ve become a lot more conscious about how my actions affect our environment. Recycling denim is just one way I’ve committed to help save our planet. My family and I honored America Recycles Day this past November 15th, 2021 by doing just that. Most of our items either didn’t fit anymore or they were simply worn out. I’m glad my family took the initiative to do our part and I challenge you to do the same. 💕
References
The Washington Post article 'Do you know what's happening to your clothing donations?' 2020
Cotton Incorporated's 2019 Retail and Sustainability Trends Survey