As far as New Yorkers go, out with the old, in with the new is the default mindset, especially in regards to their fashion. One day it’s in, the next day it’s out. The fashion industry in New York City is forever booming along with some not so desirable impacts. Fashinnovation.nyc explains that the world of fashion is globally important from an economical and social standpoint. As powerful as its transformation is, its environmental effects are just as powerful. The World Bank reports that the fashion industry alone is responsible for nearly 10% of global carbon emission and 20% of water waste. According to edc.nyc, Made in NY designers site, 75% of their production occurs in NYC and provides a product stream to 1,500 fashion manufacturers scattered about the five boroughs. Products are sources to over 700 clothing and accessory stores. It’s safe to say New York is one of the largest fashion hubs in the world. As a result, textile waste is a big red flag in the fashion industry’s carbon footprint, as large volumes of garments are being thrown away in the city. If stacked up, discarded fashion in the city would easily be the size of the Empire State Building. However, beginning to shop sustainability can curve this reality.
Author Anna Swatski has encouraged us to implement innovation in the fashion industry by making sustainable steps. As consumers, it is critical that we begin to shop used, shop sustainable, shop in our own closets, and shop less. This has been a tall ask for the fashion capital of the world. New York has exponentially beneficial resources to conserve the life cycle of its products. And along with a new initiative, Refashion NYC, this is certainly a step in the right direction.
Refashion NYC is free service provided by the NYC department of sanitation to recycle used apparel and accessories instead of throwing them out completely. The idea is to cut down on the nearly 400 million pounds of clothing, accessories and textiles that have turned into waste. The department has created unique recycling receptacles designed specifically for discarded clothing and accessories. Most of the bins typically reside in residential buildings but can also be accessed in other commercial areas. All items intended to be recycled are folded and bagged prior to going down the chute. Once the bins have reached their full capacity, free pick up is available upon request. Tax receipts for donations are also provided.
Refashion NYC has partnered with Housing Works (a local chain of thrift shops dedicated to ending homelessness and AIDS in New York City). All recycled items are donated to Housing Works in an effort to be sold in their stores. Items that are appropriate for reselling include clothing for all ages and genders, shoes, purses, gloves, scarves, hats, and belts. Towels, curtains, bedding, linens, clean rags, and torn clothing are also accepted. 100% of proceeds made from the donations to Refashion NYC fund life-saving services for low income and homeless New Yorkers living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. All items that are not in a proper condition to be resold in Housing Works or other nonprofit thrift shops are salvaged, repurposed, and donated to Haiti to reduce waste. This is a zero waste initiative, and no items ever reach landfills.
Through NYC’s efforts, 950,000 pounds of unwanted textiles and clothing have been recycled thus far. This number will only grow with availability of these unique recycling receptacles. The city has made it incredibly simple and easy to apply for a bin. Once Refashion NYC is contacted, a building visit is scheduled to discuss appropriate sizing and placement. Buildings that are eligible to have their own bin include apartment buildings with 10 or more units, office buildings, commercial buildings, and schools. If you are interested in enrolling your building in Refashion NYC, please visit nyc.gov/refashion for more information.