Hearts for the Homeless® Can Help You Do Your Part For The Planet
Municipal solid waste landfills that accept household trash, more commonly called just landfills, are the third-largest source of human-related methane emissions in the United States. They have a detrimental impact on our environment.
This Earth Day, it’s important to connect with the impact of these statements, which can sometimes start to feel distant or generalized, instead of statements that directly influence our everyday lives. It’s also important to re-learn or learn for the first time how you can incorporate the ‘3 Rs’ (reducing, reusing and recycling) into your life in a way that benefits both you and the environment.
Reducing Waste & Reusing Treasures with the Hearts Thrift Stores
Hearts is an environmental pioneer and social innovator when it comes to the ‘3 Rs’. When you think about it, that’s exactly what the Hearts Thrift Stores are encouraging — a more sustainable, not to mention affordable, method of shopping that extends the life of usable items while diverting them from landfills. Not only does Hearts make a direct impact on the community through our outreach programs for the homeless and those in need, but it also makes a positive impact on the planet.
Shopping at the Hearts Thrift Stores has always been a win-win. You’ll be able to walk away with some awesome pieces for a fraction of retail prices. When you shop at the Hearts Thrift Stores, you help support our mission to improve the quality of life for those in need.
Textile Recycling with Hearts for the Homeless®
What is textile recycling? Textile recycling is the process of recovering fiber, yarn, or fabric and reprocessing the textile material into useful products; this often is a by-product after wearable clothing has been reused around the globe. Textile waste products are gathered from different sources and are then sorted and processed depending on their condition, composition, and resale value.
The average US Citizen throws away 81 pounds of clothing and household textiles every year! When Americans recycle their unwanted clothing and textiles, it provides three main benefits: funds charitable programs, reduces solid waste, and provides economic stimulus and employment. Almost 100% of household textiles and clothing can be recycled, regardless of the quality of its condition. Without recycling availability, 100% goes to landfills. Even if you donate clothing that isn’t suitable to be sold in our thrift stores, we will recycle it! Clothing recycling doesn’t just help our planet, it also directly helps your neighbors in need!
When you donate clothing, accessories, or any household fabric like linens to Hearts, you are helping the environment by recycling unusable clothing and textiles. Even your stained, torn, unwearable clothing and textiles can be donated for reuse or down-cycled into products like rags; eyeglasses can be reused; and shoes – rubber soles can be shredded into crumb rubber for use in asphalt. Rather than putting them in the trash, as long as they are clean, dry, and odorless, put them in a Hearts donation bin.
