Conscious Choice: Too Worn to Wear

November 2005 | Co-op America’s Living Green

Too Worn to Wear

Dear Co-op America, is there any way to recycle old clothing that’s too worn to wear?

— Bill, E-mail

Great question. First, see if you can resuscitate your old clothes with a little artful mending. Can you apply patches to cover holes or stains, cut the legs off of pants to make them into shorts, or hem or lengthen a skirt to make it new again?

If not, there’s the ever-popular solution of cutting the clothes up into rags. They’re washable and reusable, making them an eco-friendly substitute for paper towels.

If you have more rags than you can count, try starting an Ugly Quilt Project group. Ugly quilts are sleeping bags made from old clothing scraps to give to homeless shelters or individuals in need of warmth during winter. You don’t need quilting experience to create an ugly quilt; the project’s website offers simple instructions.

Yet another little-known option is the nearest animal shelter. Many animal shelters, pet boarding kennels, and veterinarians will happily accept old clothes to use as bedding for animal cages.

Finally, large charities like Goodwill, 888-4goodwill, a ccept all textiles and clothing as donations.

DEAR CO-OP AMERICA, I want to help Hurricane Katrina victims, but I’m not sure where my money will have the most impact. Can you point me in the right direction?

— Ana R., Milwaukee, WI

As you’ve undoubtedly heard, there are many well-known nonprofits working to aid hurricane victims. One worthy organization you may not have heard about in the news media is Enterprise Corporation of the Delta (ECD), a nonprofit community development financial institution and sponsor of hope Community Credit Union.

Started in 1995 by an African-American church congregation, ECD and HOPE work to strengthen communities and improve lives of people in economically distressed areas of Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Through affordable loans, checking and savings accounts, technical assistance, and financial literacy workshops, ECD and HOPE have helped more than 10,000 people in these states lift themselves out of poverty.

With so many communities they serve decimated by Katrina, ECD and HOPE are now using their close ties to the people to participate in immediate and long-term disaster aid. Initially, funds will go to local organizations providing displaced hurricane victims with food, shelter, and clothing. As these basic needs are met, ECD and HOPE “will build on 12 years of experience in strengthening distressed areas to help residents rebuild their lives, homes, businesses, and communities.”

By donating to ECD ’s Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund, or by opening a Hurricane Relief Certificate of Deposit (CD) account with HOPE at a 0-2 percent interest rate, you can help channel funds where they’re most needed. Mail donations to ECD ’s Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund, P.O. Box 22886, Jackson, MS 39225-2886, or visit the website ecd.org for wiring instructions. To open a Hurricane Relief CD with HOPE, call 601-944-1100, or visit hopecu.org.

Living Green is brought to you by Co-op America, a DC-based nonprofit that provides green living, purchasing, and investing tips and resources. To join Co-op America and get a free copy of the National Green Pages™ directory of green businesses, contact 800-58-GREEN, coopamerica.org. If you have a question for Living Green, e-mail Co-op America.

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