How to Clean Your Closet—Trueline Style
Clothes: we wear them. Then we throw them away at an alarming rate.
According to United Nation’s Environment Programme, the equivalent of one garbage truck full of clothes is burned or dumped in a landfill every second. If that seems like a terrible waste, consider this: It takes around 700 gallons of water to produce one cotton shirt, according to the World Resources Institute. That’s enough water for one person to drink at least eight cups per day for three-and-a-half years.
It’s an issue that Erica Berry, Trueline’s chief marketing officer, recently decided to address with our first-ever clothing swap.
“Every year, Americans throw out 81 pounds of clothes per person. That’s astounding. Doing a clothing swap is a great way to practice sustainability—especially if the remains support people in need.”
– Erica Berry, chief marketing officer
Seven employees joined in the fun, and what was left over was donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Portland just down the street from our office in Portland, Maine.
“Every year, Americans throw out 81 pounds of clothes per person. That’s astounding,” Erica says. “Doing a clothing swap is a great way to practice sustainability—especially if the remains support people in need.”
Diana Grandoni, assistant director of development at Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine, echoes Berry’s sentiments.
“With so many kids and teens coming to the Clubs every day, there’s a consistent need for community support. Clothes, outerwear and sports equipment can always be put to good use,” Grandoni said. “We work hard to provide what our members may not be getting elsewhere.”
Julianna & Abbi wearing a few “new” items! Dresses, jeans & jewlery The shoe selection
Those at Trueline who participated in the clothing swap fueled the fabric frenzy with prosecco and snacks.
And maybe they also took a bite of the enormous impact of the fashion industry, which, according to the UN’s Environment Programme, produces 10% of all human carbon emissions—more that all international flights and maritime shipping combined.
The lesson?
Next time you empty your closet, grab a bottle of prosecco and head to Trueline. We’ll help with your marketing and your carbon footprint.
