Fast fashion has created a culture of disposable clothing. Clothes are worn a few times and then discarded, contributing to the 92 million tons of textile waste that is produced each year. This waste takes centuries to decompose and ends up in landfills, releasing harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. However, American Eagle Outfitters is taking a step towards sustainability with their jean recycling program.
What is American Eagle Jean Recycle?
The American Eagle Jean Recycle program is a sustainable initiative that encourages customers to recycle their old denim. The program accepts all brands of denim and rewards customers with a 20% discount on a new pair of American Eagle jeans for every denim item donated. The donated denim is then recycled into housing insulation, which helps to reduce waste and conserve energy.
Why is the American Eagle Jean Recycle program important?
The American Eagle Jean Recycle program is important because it addresses the growing issue of textile waste. Textile waste not only takes up space in landfills, but it also contributes to pollution and climate change. By recycling denim, American Eagle is helping to reduce waste and conserve energy. Additionally, the program incentivizes customers to recycle their old denim, which can help to shift the culture towards more sustainable fashion choices.
How does the American Eagle Jean Recycle program work?
The American Eagle Jean Recycle program is simple. Customers can bring their old denim to any American Eagle store and receive a 20% discount on a new pair of denim. The donated denim is then collected and sent to Bonded Logic, a company that specializes in recycling textiles into insulation. Bonded Logic uses a process called UltraTouch Denim Insulation, which is a natural cotton fiber insulation that is free of harsh chemicals and irritants.
What happens to the recycled denim?
The recycled denim is turned into UltraTouch Denim Insulation, which is a sustainable insulation option that has several benefits. UltraTouch Denim Insulation is made from 85% post-consumer recycled denim and cotton, making it an eco-friendly option. Additionally, the insulation is free of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and does not contain any formaldehyde or chemical irritants, making it a safe option for homes and buildings.
What are the benefits of UltraTouch Denim Insulation?
UltraTouch Denim Insulation has several benefits over traditional insulation options. Firstly, it is a sustainable option that helps to reduce waste and conserve energy. Secondly, it is made from natural cotton fibers that are free of harsh chemicals and irritants, making it a safe option for homes and buildings. Additionally, UltraTouch Denim Insulation has a high R-value (thermal resistance), which helps to reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills.
Conclusion
The American Eagle Jean Recycle program is a sustainable solution for the fashion industry. By recycling denim and turning it into UltraTouch Denim Insulation, American Eagle is helping to reduce waste and conserve energy. Additionally, the program incentivizes customers to recycle their old denim, which can help to shift the culture towards more sustainable fashion choices. If you have old denim that you no longer wear, consider donating it to the American Eagle Jean Recycle program and take a step towards sustainability.