Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Over time, our society has gradually been trained to recycle items that are typically tossed into the trash. As a result of providing access to recycle bins it’s become a societal norm to discard items based on the material they are made from. Particularly, in the Pacific Northwest, citizens don’t have to think twice about sustainability, it’s become a lifestyle.
 Similar to paper materials, plastic bottles, cans, and other various product containers, clothing is another recyclable item. There are a number of clothing items that continue to be thrown away; this contributes to hazardous conditions in our society and around the world.

Audio:

http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=185596830&m=185723881

Visual:

http://www.npr.org/blogs/parallels/2013/05/21/185596830/the-global-afterlife-of-your-donated-clothes

In the article, Fashion From Waste, readers are informed of the impacts from throwing away articles of clothing. When water from rain drains through the landfill, hazardous materials from clothing are picked up. This includes dyes and bleach from the clothing. As the water builds up, it becomes toxic.
 Currently, clothing in India and other countries around the world are changing ideas about fashion, consumerism, and reusability. Clothing can be “new and improved” by re-using existing fibers and textiles.

http://www.twnside.org.sg/twnf/2012/3810.htm

Unless our society shifts the way in which clothing is purchased, made, sold, etc. our economy will continue to decline in living conditions. Learning how to re-use and properly recycle clothing and other textiles will help prevent un-necessary waste build up in landfills across the country and around the world.

http://www.smartasn.org/educators-kids/Textile_Recycling_Fact_Sheet.pdf