The Shirt Off Your Back – The State of Textile Recycling, Reuse, and Repair Today

Did you know that 85% of textile waste ends up in landfills?

Zero Waste Washington is pleased to partner with the Washington State Recycling Association to present an informative all-day forum – The Shirt Off Your Back – The State of Textile Recycling, Reuse, and Repair Today – on October 30 at REI in Seattle, from 9 am to 3:30 pm.

What is the story of textile waste?

We don’t think about textile waste that often.  It is kind of a silent form of waste.  It doesn’t get the media attention of other materials, such as plastic and metal.  With the rise of “fast fashion,” there are estimates that average American throws away about 81 pounds of clothing every year – to the landfill.  And of donations to Goodwill and other charities, only 10-20% are sold in their thrift stores and over 45% of donations are sent overseas.

African countries are starting to say “No!”  Cheap second-hand American clothing is ruining their local textile industries.  According to a recent New York Times article, in Kenya, this clothing is called the “clothes of dead white people.” In Mozambique, they are the “clothing of calamity.” Furthermore, there is a question of dignity. Rwanda, is cutting off the imports of secondhand clothes, “not only on the grounds of protecting a nascent local industry, but also because it says wearing hand-me-downs compromises the dignity of its people.”

Forum details

At the forum, we will explore the impact of textiles on the waste stream, consumer behavior related to buying clothing and other products, the reuse and recycling of textiles, as well as looking upstream to designers and brands who are weaving durability and sustainability into their products. We’ll hear from a number of experts from local and national leaders in clothing and gear reuse, fast fashion impacts, repair, and innovative design. Hosted by REI Co-Op at their flagship store, we’ll hear about the challenges, innovations, and solutions that are available when it comes to the shirt on your back getting another life!

To register
Members of Zero Waste Washington will have a reduced registration fee ($55 instead of $75). Teachers/students $25. The day includes snacks and a healthy lunch.

For more info and to register: click here 

If you are a Zero Waste Washington member (or would like to be!), please contact Heather to get the discount code for registering.  Please email Heather at Heather@zerowastewashington.org or call (206) 441-1790.