![unconsumption:
H&M to encourage shoppers to recycle unwanted clothes … while rewarding them with discounts on purchases of new clothing?
From the Los Angeles Times:
Fast fashion retailer H&M wants your old clothes.
The Swedish clothier is rolling out a global initiative to encourage its shoppers to recycle unwanted outfits instead of throwing them in the trash, H&M said in a statement Thursday.
“Every year, tons of textiles are thrown out with domestic waste and end up in landfill. As much as 95% of these clothes could be used again; re-worn, reused or recycled — depending on the state of the garment,” H&M said.
H&M will accept clothing from any brand in any condition (now might be a good time to bring out the stained sweatshirts and dozens of cotton T-shirts). In return, the retailer will give shoppers vouchers for future H&M purchases (thereby providing fodder for future recycling trips). All H&M stores will start accepting used clothing in February.
This may help the retail giant to counter criticism that the rise of H&M and other fast fashion retailers such as Forever 21 has fueled shoppers, especially young ones, to treat clothing as disposable goods that can be chucked after wearing an outfit two or three times.
H&M is partnering with recycling company I:Collect, which will take the clothes to a sorting facility in Germany. There, the clothes will either be separated for re-use as apparel or sent on its way for a second life as rags, stuffing, padding and other purposes.
The retailer said its long-term goal is to “reduce the environmental impact of garments throughout the lifecycle.”
More in H&M’s press release here.
[Side note: Many of you might recall that H&M came under fire a couple of years ago for destroying and discarding unworn/unsold clothing.]
Related: Earlier this year, UK retailer Marks & Spencer launched a recycled clothing initiative, a.k.a. “shwopping,” meant to reduce the amount of clothing going to landfill. Items — any brands’ merchandise — dropped in M&S in-store drop boxes either get resold through Oxfam, or are repurposed or recycled. M&S recently announced the program will expand beyond its stores: clothing collection boxes will be available at some workplaces. M&S gives customers vouchers redeemable for discounts on future purchases.
Also: Clothing manufacturer Patagonia also accepts worn clothing — its own products — and provides drop boxes in stores. Through the company’s “Common Threads” program, some used Patagonia merchandise can be resold via eBay; items that are no longer wearable are recycled or repurposed.
What do you think about such clothing-collection initiatives? As a part of these programs, should customers be offered incentives, e.g., vouchers, to buy new clothes, or should they even be offered anything in return for their participation?](http://24.media.tumblr.com/9512135ae3e8da45212c1dafd4677039/tumblr_meq5x3QQHS1qzv12bo1_400.jpg)
H&M to encourage shoppers to recycle unwanted clothes … while rewarding them with discounts on purchases of new clothing?
From the Los Angeles Times:
Fast fashion retailer H&M wants your old clothes.
The Swedish clothier is rolling out a global initiative to encourage its shoppers to recycle unwanted outfits instead of throwing them in the trash, H&M said in a statement Thursday.
“Every year, tons of textiles are thrown out with domestic waste and end up in landfill. As much as 95% of these clothes could be used again; re-worn, reused or recycled — depending on the state of the garment,” H&M said.
H&M will accept clothing from any brand in any condition (now might be a good time to bring out the stained sweatshirts and dozens of cotton T-shirts). In return, the retailer will give shoppers vouchers for future H&M purchases (thereby providing fodder for future recycling trips). All H&M stores will start accepting used clothing in February.
This may help the retail giant to counter criticism that the rise of H&M and other fast fashion retailers such as Forever 21 has fueled shoppers, especially young ones, to treat clothing as disposable goods that can be chucked after wearing an outfit two or three times.
H&M is partnering with recycling company I:Collect, which will take the clothes to a sorting facility in Germany. There, the clothes will either be separated for re-use as apparel or sent on its way for a second life as rags, stuffing, padding and other purposes.
The retailer said its long-term goal is to “reduce the environmental impact of garments throughout the lifecycle.”
More in H&M’s press release here.
[Side note: Many of you might recall that H&M came under fire a couple of years ago for destroying and discarding unworn/unsold clothing.]
Related: Earlier this year, UK retailer Marks & Spencer launched a recycled clothing initiative, a.k.a. “shwopping,” meant to reduce the amount of clothing going to landfill. Items — any brands’ merchandise — dropped in M&S in-store drop boxes either get resold through Oxfam, or are repurposed or recycled. M&S recently announced the program will expand beyond its stores: clothing collection boxes will be available at some workplaces. M&S gives customers vouchers redeemable for discounts on future purchases.
Also: Clothing manufacturer Patagonia also accepts worn clothing — its own products — and provides drop boxes in stores. Through the company’s “Common Threads” program, some used Patagonia merchandise can be resold via eBay; items that are no longer wearable are recycled or repurposed.
What do you think about such clothing-collection initiatives? As a part of these programs, should customers be offered incentives, e.g., vouchers, to buy new clothes, or should they even be offered anything in return for their participation?
