According to the UN, in 2023 globally, we produced 2.1 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste. This number is expected to increases to 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050. To put the waste generation into perspective for textile and apparel products in the US:
The average American throws away 81 lbs of textile waste each year
In 2018, the United States landfilled 85% of all textile waste, over 11 million tons.
Additionally, clothing that is donated (even with good intention) often ends up in domestic landfills or shipped off to other countries where local communities receive an overwhelming amount of unwearable clothes that ultimately “end up in dumpsites, rivers or are burnt in the open.”
To address the clothing waste crisis- some companies in the apparel industry, including Recover, are embracing circularity.
Circularity is a sustainable manufacturing process that uses already existing materials to create something new, with the intention that it can be recycled and remanufactured again at the end of its life. It offers an innovative supply chain solution that limits resource consumption, reduces pollution generation, and minimizes waste production.
As one of our main commitments to sustainability, we developed our own circular apparel initiative, our 360॰ Closed Loop Program. In our mission to help Earth Recover, we recognized the importance of creating a fully circular closed-loop system.
Through our 360॰ Closed Loop Program, we recycle old tees into new Recover gear by incorporating the material back into the beginning of our supply chain. We work closely with our proud partners CASW (Central American Spinning Works) in El Salvador and Material Return in North Carolina to make our circular textile recycling system a reality.
We break down your old shirts
We turn the fabric scraps into fiber
The fiber is spun into yarn
The yarn is knitted into fabric
The fabric is cut and sewn into new Recover apparel
As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to remember that the waste our society produces increases drastically this time of year and can lead to negative environmental impact.
To help Earth Recover during this holiday shopping season, we invite our community to celebrate circularity with us!
Either by purchasing a bundle or making a purchase on select promotional days, you can receive a free closed-loop mailer to recycle your old tees with us. Additionally, Closed Loop Program Mailers can be purchased anytime on our website for $10.
To partake in the program, it’s as simple as filling the mailer with cotton and polyester tees (please no buttons, zippers, or elastic) and putting it in your outgoing mail or dropping it off at any USPS drop-off location!
By embracing sustainability this holiday season, and into the new year, through participating in circular solutions to the waste crisis, we can contribute to a healthier planet for future generations!
You can also check out some more holiday sustainability tips HERE to further incorporate sustainability into your festivities!
