# Recycling Textile, Giving Away Does Good for the Environment

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/07/recycling-textiles-giving-away-does-for-the-environment/
- Published: 2023-07-13T19:41:00-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

Recycling textile can have significant benefits for the environment. That’s most
notably, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills. Yet, most do it to make
room for new fashions. For the average American throws away about 68 pounds of clothing
and textiles per year.

## Recycling Textile, It’s Impact on the Environment

 So this article helps with decreasing the need for virgin materials to make new
products. According to the USEPA [1], [discarded](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/06/innovative-recycling-game-sorts-recyclables-and-turns-them-into-something-new/)
clothing is one of the main sources of textiles in municipal solid waste. In addition
to is approximately 84% of clothing globally ends up in landfills and also incinerators
every year.

### Briarcliff Manor recycling textile at massive rate

 The Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee of my village, Briarcliff Manor,
organized a highly successful Take It or Leave It event. This event required thorough
planning and extensive efforts. All which ultimately paid off. Our initiative resulted
in the generous distribution of more than 2.5 to 3 tons of clothing.  For that’s
along with various other items. It is also worth noting that all of these items 
were given away to the community. You know; Rather than being sold. This first Take
It or Leave It event was a great success. Finally, in promoting environmental sustainability
and community involvement.

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 More noteworthy, [recycling clothing or textiles conserves water](https://greenlivingguy.com/2009/12/is-the-new-eco-clothing-recycled-water-bottles/)
and energy. Especially as it requires less [water and energy to recycle](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/11/levi-strauss-co-leading-the-way-in-clothing-recycling/)
materials. I mean than doing everything to produce new ones from scratch. In addition,[
2] textile [waste mills can recycle](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/09/illegal-smuggling-of-plastic-is-harming-cameroons-environment/)
clothing. That’s unless it has mildew or has been stained. Especially with a solvent
like gasoline. So excess textiles can also be recycled. More importantly at a corporate
level. Additionally, donating clothing to charity or [giving it away](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/10/earth911-com-nyc-launch-party-gives-away-green-lighting-book/)
to people. Well, as we know, it can provide social and economic benefits [3].  Clearly
to communities in need. ⌊Recycling clothing⌉

#### Lower greenhouse gas emissions from recycling textile

The fashion industry lead by fast fashion. It is one of the largest polluters in
the world. It is also responsible for 10% of worldwide carbon emissions. That’s 
according to the recent report by the [Ellen MacArthur Foundation](https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/).

 The global fashion industry emits 1.7 billion tons of CO2 each year. This represents
more than all air and sea travel combined. And at the current pace, the fashion 
industry greenhouse [gas emissions are expected to rise](https://greenlivingguy.com/2005/11/scooter-sales-soar-as-gas-prices-rise-maybe-they-should-have-thought-about-electric-scooters-more/).
That’s by 50% by 2030.

### Fashion Industry with its impact on not recycling textile

 The fashion industry is responsible for significant water consumption. For with
one pair of jeans is a lot. It’s requiring 3,781 liters of [water to produce](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/04/reuse-jeans-partners-with-usa-water-polo-team/)[
[2](https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2019/09/23/costo-moda-medio-ambiente)].
Chemicals used to make synthetic fabrics are derived from coal, oil, or natural 
gas [[1](https://3dinsider.optitex.com/fashion-quantity-outweighs-quality/)]. Clothes
are often transported thousands of miles across the world. Because shipping is accounting
for 90% of garment transportation [[3](https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2019/09/23/costo-moda-medio-ambiente)].
In addition, the fashion industry generates 10% of annual global carbon emissions.
It is also responsible for 20% of worldwide [wastewater](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/05/rethinking-wastewater-technology-advances-make-water-reuse-a-smart-practice/).
That’s due to fabric dyeing and treatment [[3](https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2019/09/23/costo-moda-medio-ambiente)].
Furthermore, it is estimated that less than 1% of used clothing is recycled into
[new garments](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/01/actress-hayden-panettiere-on-recycling-denim-for-communities-in-need/).
That’s leading to a significant value loss [[3](https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2019/09/23/costo-moda-medio-ambiente)].
Ignoring the environmental cost will lead to a surge in emissions by over 50% by
2030 [[3](https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2019/09/23/costo-moda-medio-ambiente)].
The industry needs to transition to a sustainable model by using new materials. 
Also, new alternatives and more [eco-friendly](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/03/what-is-eco-friendly-and-why-is-it-a-trend/)
processes. All by promoting more durable clothing; and especially so it can be recycled
or resold [[3](https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2019/09/23/costo-moda-medio-ambiente)].

### Beyond the Label Textile

 According to one of my most reliable sources on clothing. As well as [recycling or anything related to clothing](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/01/recycling-clothing-can-help-save-fashion-plus-pollution/).
It is [Beyond the Label](http://www.labeyondthelabel.com/). As they mention that
the people affected along the supply chain and retail:

 1.  Farmers
 2.  cutters
 3.  sewers
 4.  bleachers
 5.  washers
 6.  fabric dyers
 7.  nearby communities
 8.  retail employees
 9.  your family and you.

 **Chemicals to think about:**

 1.  Pesticides
 2.  fiber extractors
 3.  bleach
 4.  detergent
 5.  dyes
 6.  mordants
 7.  printing fluids
 8.  finishing agents
 9.  fire retardants

[⌊Recycling textile⌉⌊Recycling textile⌉[

Image Source: Beyond the Label

### What Each Person Saves

 According to [Panaprium](https://www.panaprium.com/blogs/i/environmental-benefits-of-buying-second-hand-clothing)
and the 2017 report by the [American Apparel Association](https://www.aafaglobal.org/AAFA/Media.aspx),
each person that buys second-hand clothing can prevent more than 500 pounds of carbon
emissions every year. It reduces one’s water, waste, and [carbon footprint](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/03/reducing-your-carbon-footprint/)
by more than 80%. Needless to say, people, in general, should rely on second-hand
clothing more often. You can go to the typical flea market and other traditional
resale shops. As well as buy online. In addition, cotton is the primary raw material
used; all in the fabrication of textile and apparel worldwide. Unfortunately, it
requires a large amount of:

 1. water
 2. pesticides
 3. fertilizers to grow.

 The production of 2.2 lbs of cotton used in the apparel and textile industry for
garment manufacturing requires up to 6.6 lbs of chemicals. According to the Pulse
of the fashion industry report (2018) by the [Global Fashion Agenda](https://www.panaprium.com/blogs/i/sustainability-agenda),
cotton farming consumes 4% of worldwide of nitrogen and phosphorous fertilizers.
As well as 16% of all insecticides. Finally and 7% of all herbicides.

### Conclusion

 In conclusion and for more information on the [benefits of textile recycling](https://greenlivingguy.com/2024/10/recycling-electronics-for-e-waste-so-many-benefits/)
and donation, look no further. Check out the following links:  References:  [[1](https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/textiles-material-specific-data)]
Textiles: Material-Specific Data | US EPA  [2] What Happens to Your Used Clothing
Donations  [[3](https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2019/09/23/costo-moda-medio-ambiente)]
How Much Do Our Wardrobes Cost to the Environment?

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
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