The Chicago Tribune ran an article today talking about all of those drop boxes for used clothing. Apparently, while some are for charity, many are also maintained by for-profit businesses.
It went on to talk about the items that are donated. Apparently, "Americans throw 85 percent of their unwanted textiles in the trash each year" thinking that since they aren't in a condition to re-sell, they aren't worth anything. Not true. There are other markets, including recycling for industrial use. According to a rep from the Salvation Army:
"We want to receive any and all articles because, if we can't sell it in one of our stores, then we can sell it to what they call the 'rag market,'" Anderson said. "They can repurpose those textiles for anything from wiping rags or materials for new textiles to even as an additive to asphalt. (That revenue) is a big deal for us."
Awesome.
Back to the drop boxes. I don't have a problem with a company making a product and a profit by recycling my stuff - assuming they are honest about it. But if you want to be sure that your donations are supporting your causes, please do your homework. Call the numbers listed on the drop boxes; contact the organizations you are trying to help
About Me
- Anne
- I am an HR professional, perennial student, and volunteer. I read all sorts of articles on personal finance and also the travel section and plenty of books and I will tell you all about them. I still believe "if you want to get something done, you ask the busiest person". I live in Glenview, IL.
Crowdrise is about online fundraising, event fundraising, volunteering and having the most fun in the world while doing it. Crowdrise is way more fun than anything else aside from being all nervous about trying to kiss a girl for the first time and her not saying something like 'you've got to be kidding me.'
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With Their Backs to the World: Portraits from Serbia, by Asne Seierstad
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