With the start of school comes (another unsuccessful) football season, new (successful) teachers and a(n overwhelmingly long) back-to-school shopping list. Before darting out to the store to pick up new clothing and supplies, take a moment to revisit the 3Rs – reduce, reuse, recycle.
Just like you do with your garbage, you can utilize the 3 R’s for your school clothing.
Because you’ve taken to heart the rules of our 3R’s video, you already use the 3Rs on a daily basis. Decisions about back-to-school clothing provide the perfect opportunity to put the 3Rs to work and step up the sustainability in your household!
• Reduce – Rummage through your kids’ closets and see what you have on hand. The greenest back-to-school clothes are the ones you already have! Make a list of items you already own and only purchase what’s needed.
• Reuse – Instead of purchasing new clothes, shop first at the neighborhood second-hand store. You’ll get a lot more bang for your buck and find one-of-a-kind items! Better yet, consider a swap. Check with neighbors and friends and to see if you can trade clothing, shoes and backpacks.
There is almost always a place that will take your clothing. Unless it’s moldy, clothing should not be thrown away.
• Recycle – Clothing that’s no longer needed can be donated for reuse and recycling. All clothing, even torn, worn or stained items that are no longer in usable condition can be recycled. Only textiles that are wet or mildewed belong in the garbage.
By putting the ever famous 3Rs to work, we can reduce the environmental impact of back-to-school shopping in ways that add up. The difference we can make, together, is clear when you consider the big picture: According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans throw away more than 70 pounds of clothing and textiles per person per year. Clothing manufacturing requires precious natural resources including water, energy and land. It also generates pollution, and the EPA estimates that diverting all of the textiles that are currently being thrown away would reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly. In fact, it would have the same effect as taking 7.3 million cars off the road. (That’s a LOT!)
This year, let’s embrace back to school as a time to start new routines that make real and lasting change in our community and for the environment. And unlike letterman jackets and poodle skirts, sustainable clothing is always in style!
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