365 Ways to Save the Planet

Day 61 – You will have clothes with holes and stains and are just not acceptable for donation. What do you do then? I, like many others thought the trash was the only choice. Thankfully, there are a few options to keep those clothes out of the landfill.

Chicago Textile Recycling – Chicago Textile Recycling provides textile recycling outlets and fundraising opportunities for area organizations, businesses and municipalities. By collecting used clothing, shoes, and household items for reuse and recycling, Chicago Textile Recycling diverts over 2.5 million pounds of waste from area landfills annually. They are located at 250 N. Mannheim Rd. Unit B. Hillside, IL 60162. Click HERE to find s complete list of items they accept.

The North Face Stores – Their Clothes the Loop program encourages people to drop off unwanted clothing and footwear at The North Face Retail and Outlet Stores. Recycle your used apparel and footwear (any condition, any brand) at their stores and earn a $10 reward toward your next purchase of $100 or more at The North Face.

Blue Jeans Go Green – The Blue Jeans Go Green program collects denim (made from cotton) so that it can be recycled back to its natural fiber state and transformed into something new. Click HERE to find participating brands that will give you money or a percentage off your next purchase.

H&M Stores – Their Garment Collecting program has been a hit since 2013. They have recycling boxes in H&M stores across the globe. It works like this: 1. Take any unwanted clothes or textiles, by any brand and in any condition, to one of our stores. 2. Drop your bag of old clothes in our garment collecting box near the register and receive a 15% off coupon to use toward your next purchase.

Patagonia – They will recycle their own brand of clothing. All you have to do is drop it off at any Patagonia store.

So, the next time you come across a stained shirt or sock with holes, think twice before throwing them away. That piece of clothing has another life waiting to be had.

Tomorrow, is all about shoes.