California becomes first state to implement mandatory clothing recycling program

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

[Mr.Bill]

1. I regularly donate used clothing to local thrift stores.

I mistakenly thought that I was mostly bringing used clotheing to these stores, and felt a little bad about it. When I apologized that all I had one day was used clothing, the volunteer who took my donation said that it was their biggest and most quickly selling of all their donations.

[Clouds Passing]

2. Nice!

[dickthegrouch]

3. I hope it's more convenient than the bottle recycling

It’s become almost impossible to get the 5 cents bottle deposit back.

[bucolic_frolic]

4. It's a complex subject

Most used clothing winds up sold in 10x10x10' pallets in Africa. But we are doing better because clothing is so expensive now.

The biggest error in wardrobes comes not when you don't use it, or wear it out too fast. It comes when you buy it and decide it's not for you, you don't like it, it no longer fits. Running a leaner, less stylish wardrobe has more durability at less cost.

I read somewhere scientists estimate there are 23 Billion pair of leather shoes in landfills. Leather doesn't really degrade. It can last for thousands of years. They're trying to alter the leather process to make it biodegradable. Imagine the number of non-leather shoes in landfills.

Meanwhile has anyone noticed most shoes other than pricey ones don't last as long? Materials, soles, are thinner, but the price is still $40-75. But they wear like junk and 18 months is nearing maximum life. Shoe brands change hands at fantastic rate since the 1920s. After about 50 years and 7 owners, the brand exists but the product has less quality to it.

[cynical_idealist]

5. so many products are like cheap knockoffs of their former selves

...

[1WorldHope]

6. I wish that were the norm.

Its always felt strange to throw away cloth. But in my life I have tended to wear things so long that I do wear them out. Nobody would want to wear them when I am done. I just give them to goodwill hoping they will be used for rags or something. There are no recycling centers her for fabrics in Nebraska.