A recurring theme in this blog is the celebration of people and/or organizations that have a positive impact on their communities. What they do is not easy, but it’s inspirational, and we don’t hear enough about them. So I’ve decided to commit to singing their praises at least once a month. I’m calling it Mid-Month Marvels. If you have any suggestions for the focus of this monthly spotlight, let me know in the comments below!
I love hearing about people who identify problems and then come up with ways to solve them. It gives me hope. It makes me feel as though we might survive as a species after all. So I was delighted when I read an article entitled, “The Fashion Industry Has a Waste Problem: This Non-Profit with 2,000 Volunteers Is Helping Solve It”.
According to the article, the EPA says that textile and fabric takes up 5% of our landfills, and it also turns out that fabrics account for 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. That’s a problem. A big one.
Enter Jessica Schreiber. She used to work at New York City’s Bureau of Recycling and Sustainability, and learned there that many of New York’s big names in the fashion industry were at a total loss as to what to do with all the scrap fabric that winds up on their cutting room floors. Ms. Schreiber viewed this as an opportunity.
FABSCRAP is Jessica Schreiber’s brainchild. It’s a nonprofit organization that collects this fabric waste from New York’s fashion houses, brings it to a warehouse, where volunteers sort it by fabric type. From there, it goes on to become insulation, carpet padding, furniture lining, and moving blankets.
More substantial pieces (if they’re non-proprietary) are sorted by type, weight, and color and can be found in their warehouse where students, artists, quilters, crafters, teachers and designers can get it for reuse. Just go there by appointment for pick up! Or, for those of us who don’t live in New York, you can go to their online store and buy yard packs and scrap packs at insanely affordable prices.
Incidentally, they can’t currently find a way to recycle spandex, lycra, or elastane. If you have any ideas for them, they’re definitely open to suggestion. Don’t hesitate to contact them.
Isn’t this organization a fabulous idea? Spread the word! And if you can, join me in supporting FABSCRAP by donating here.
An attitude of gratitude is what you need to get along. Read my book! http://amzn.to/2mlPVh5
The View from a Drawbridge 