Conscious Choice Seattle: Worn, Not Forlorn

November 2005 | Living Green

Worn, Not Forlorn

By Co-op America

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 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 (www.reese.org/sharon/uglyqult.htm). Ugly quilts are sleeping bags made from old clothing scraps. They’re given 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 Web site 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 (888-4 GOODWILL, www.goodwill.org) sell unwearable clothing they receive as donations to textile recycling centers (which generally do not accept donations from individuals).

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, 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 www.ecd.org for wiring instructions. To open a Hurricane Relief CD with HOPE, call 601/944-1100 or visit www.hopecu.org.

Living Green is brought to you by Co-op America, a national 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, call 800/58-GREEN, www.coopamerica.org.

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