Lowering our impact
But, we do consider ourselves an eco friendly clothing company because we reduce our negative impact on the environment every step of the way. One great example of this is that our clothing made in Peru is produced in partnership with factories that have made a commitment to ZERO WASTE. Our fabric scraps from cutting are bundled and then re-purposed into mops, rags, and mattress fillers, or recycled into new fibers, ensuring a circular supply chain that keeps waste out of landfills.
In terms of environmental impact, we feel it’s important to also consider what we can do as individuals. Recycling at home is something everyone should be doing, but it turns out that a lot of us may be doing it wrong. Luckily, once you know what to do, it’s not hard to get it right.
THE RIGHT THINGS
Recycling everything? This is called “wish-cycling”, and it does more harm than good. What the recycling program in your community accepts can vary, but there are some common rules of thumb. Keeping them in mind will help ensure that what you’re putting in your recycling bin is getting recycled.
Accepted Items
The most common items accepted in recycling programs across the United States are aluminum, rigid plastic #1, rigid plastic #2, paper, and cardboard. Just note every plastic product has a triangle with a number from 1 to 7 inside. This Plastic Identification Code is usually found on the bottom. Plastics with codes 1 or 2 are the most universally accepted. Typically, these are beverage bottles and containers used for milk, juice, and body-care products.
THINK TWICE
If you are trying to recycle anything other than the items noted above (say, a glass bottle), double check to confirm it’s accepted by your community's recycling program. Generally, plastic bags and wraps, sewing needles, electronics, and textiles cannot go in your recycling bin. And here’s where it gets tricky, if your cardboard cereal box is recyclable – you need to keep in mind that the plastic bag inside is not. So, if you want to put the cardboard in your recycling bin, you need to separate them.
THE RIGHT WAY
Your recycling needs to be clean and dry. Empty and rinse all your cans and containers. Unfortunately, you can’t recycle paper or cardboard products that are covered in food waste because it may contaminate your other recyclable materials. Translation: one greasy pizza box can ruin your whole recycling bin. Oh, and never put your recycling in a plastic bag. Loose in the bin is perfectly fine.
A NOTE ON TEXTILE RECYCLING
Let’s say a few of your organic cotton t shirts or one of your printed face masks have come to the end of their lifecycle. If they are in an unwearable condition and unable to be donated, going the extra mile to find a textile recycling program in your area is worth it to keep them out of a landfill. Even if it’s just fabric scraps, they can always be repurposed and turned into things like industrial rags, insulation, furniture padding, and even sustainable clothes for women. A good place to start is your municipality or state recycling programs.
SHOPPING SECONDHAND
Always resell or donate any clothing that is still in good condition. We’ve partnered with thredUP in order to make it easy for you to turn the clothes you no longer love into NATION LTD credit. Request a Closet Clean Out Kit to send all your gently used women’s and kids’ apparel (from any brand) and you’ll earn a NATION LTD shopping credit for eligible items. The rest will be responsibly recycled.
THE NEXT STEPS
And while recycling is a great way to lower your carbon footprint and reduce your household waste, it’s not the only method. Another easy way to curb waste is to avoid using or purchasing single-use items such as plastic bottles or grocery bags. Invest in reusable drinkware and always bring your own bags to the grocery store or farmer’s market. Try shopping at a package free grocery store. If there is one in your town, make the extra effort - you won’t be disappointed. Feel free to search here to find one near you. It’s often more cost effective and creates significantly less waste.
The more you know…
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON RECYCLING PLEASE VISIT: