Fashionistas can help save the planet.
Last year for Earth Day, I gave you some tips for how to reduce, reuse, and recycle
the everyday stuff you would normally throw away. This year, the clothing store H&M is joining in to make a difference by giving your old clothes a new life. You can bring unwanted clothes of any brand and in any condition to H&M stores, and they will recycle them.According to the H&M website, “Every year tons of textiles are thrown out and end up in landfills. As much as 95% of these clothes could be used again — re-worn, reused, or recycled depending on the state of the garment.”
The clothes will be separated in three groups:
- Re-wear – clothing that can be worn again is sold as second-hand goods worldwide.
- Reuse – textiles that are no longer suitable to wear are converted into other products, such as cleaning cloths.
- Recycle – textiles that can’t be reused can be turned into textile fibers or used to manufacture products such as insulating materials for the auto industry.
How can you help?
Go through your clothes and pick out the ones that don’t fit you anymore, or have huge stains or holes in the knees, and ask your parent if you can bring them to your local H&M store. You’ll see a big drop-off box like this one. Pop your old clothes in and be very proud of yourself for helping to save the planet!