‘Tis the season for fun with family and friends, but also for STUFF. As I witness (and participate!) in the holiday shopping hustle, I am reminded of wise words from Henry David Thoreau. He said, “What is the use of a house if you haven’t got a tolerable planet to put it on?”
Thoreau’s insight rings particularly true as we often replace items at home this time of year. From kids wanting the next trend in toys to creating a warm and welcoming ambience for holiday guests, there are so many opportunities to recycle our old textiles!
For example, rather than throw out those dingy hand towels in your guest bathroom, imagine how many collective pounds we could prevent from ending up in landfills if we all donated them! Many SMART members turn those old towels into wiping cloths.
How about that stereotypical sweater you won’t wear but don’t have the heart to return? It can become baseball and softball filling, or carpet padding. Even your old shoes can be recycled – shoe soles are turned into paving materials.
Please make our planet merry this time of year and donate your unwanted items to a local recycling center or charity. Nearly 100% of donated items are recycled. The recycling center or charity will determine which items are usable as clothing, which can be sold and turned into wiping rags, and which can be sold and processed back into fibers to make new products. Charities and recyclers generate revenue for their programs, and textiles get a second (or third or fourth) life.
Even your old Santa hat can be recycled! To find a SMART member location near year, click here. Wishing you and your family a joyous holiday season – and thank you for recycling SMARTer!
