clothes donation essay

The Impact of Donating Clothing: How Your Closet Clear-Out Can Help Others

Cleaning out your closet can be daunting, but it can also be a powerful opportunity to give back to others. Donating clothes can significantly impact individuals and communities in need, providing not just clothing but also a sense of dignity and hope.

In the United States, it is estimated that the average person throws away around 81.5 pounds of clothing and textiles each year. An estimated 11.3 million tons of textile end up in landfills on a yearly basis.

It not only wastes valuable resources, it also contributes to environmental issues such as greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. Donating clothes is an excellent way to reduce this waste and give a new life to items that may still be useful.

Help Those in Need

One of the most significant impacts of donating clothes is the ability to help those in need. Many individuals and families struggle to afford clothing. Donations can provide them with the necessary clothing to stay warm, comfortable, and confident.

It is especially important for individuals experiencing homelessness or poverty who may lack access to basic needs such as clothing.

Positive Impact on the Environment

Donating clothes can also have a positive impact on the environment. When clothes are thrown away, they can take hundreds of years to decompose, contributing to landfill waste and pollution.

By donating clothes, we can help reduce the amount of waste in landfills and promote sustainable living practices.

Sustainable Practice

Donating clothes can also help promote ethical and sustainable fashion practices. By donating clothes, we can help reduce the demand for new clothing and promote the reuse of existing items.

We at Promise Hill Project accept donations for clothes and run campaigns from time to time to collect and distribute clothing to those in need as a part of our Basic Needs Program .

We believe that providing basic needs is the first step towards empowering individuals and communities to break the cycle of poverty and achieve long-term sustainability.

Our Basic Needs Program caters to the basic needs of people, such as food, water, clothing, period products, shoes, and shelter for children and adults from disadvantaged communities in the United States, Kenya, and India.

The program collects gently used clothes from donors and distributes them to individuals and families in need. If you want to make a donation of clothing to charity, we are happy to have them.

If you are looking for a charity for online donations in the USA, Promise Hill Project can be an ideal fit.

Next time you clean out your closet, donate your gently used clothing to our Basic Needs Program . It could make a world of difference.

Let’s work together to make an impact and break the cycle of poverty.

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Clothing Donation: The Four Key Benefits of Donating Clothes

Donating old clothes is so important. If you’re wondering why you should support your local charities instead of tossing your old clothes in the trash, check out some of the benefits of donating clothes below. You could change someone’s life!

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been tempted to just toss out old clothes and never think twice about them…but the truth is, there are so many great benefits to donating your clothes. This is something that we’ve been teaching our girls and feel very strongly about as well. 

If you live in an area that has clothing donation bins and boxes, you literally have no excuse to pass on clothes that you no longer want or need. 

Donating clothes is actually a really simple process. With all the various clothing donation stores out there, it doesn’t have to be viewed as a burden at all. Plus, just think about all the people that you’re helping during the process. Stores like Goodwill, Salvation Army, and many other local consignment stores and shelters make it a super simple process to donate used clothing. There are so many benefits of reusing clothes or donating clothes to the homeless that it really makes sense when you stop and think about it. 

If you have a pile of clothes that you’re never going to use, consider charitable donations for donating your clothes as they should be at the top of your list. 

Helps People in Need

Whether they can’t afford new clothes or have lost their personal items in a fire or other disaster, people in need truly benefit when you donate your clothes. Donating to stores and charity organizations provides clothes for the homeless and for other disadvantaged people who may not have them otherwise.

Clothing donations become even more important when winter rolls around. After you donate, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment, as you’ll know that you’ve given somebody else something they truly needed.

There are a lot of places in your local community that offers the ability to help someone in need. From donation pick-up to a Goodwill donation, you can help those who are needing clothing and warmth now. 

You can even drop off clothing in a donation box in your town but those don’t always stay local and are often shipped to other locations around the world. 

Reduces Greenhouse Gases

We all do what we can do to reduce waste and pollution, such as walking instead of driving, and clothing donation is another option. Clothing donation helps the environment in more ways than one. When people buy used clothes rather than new ones, fewer new clothes need to be made. Producing new clothing puts out a lot of greenhouse gases, so when you stick to used clothes, you’re doing your part to reduce those gases. 

This is what we tell our girls as we’re wearing the same clothes over and over again. It isn’t because we can’t afford new clothes – that’s just not the case. What it is about is that we’re making a smaller footprint by not making more clutter in our world. To us, this is extremely important as a family. 

Keeps Your Home Organized

In the most basic sense, one of the benefits of donating your clothes is that it declutters your home. Getting your closet in order is crucial to keeping your space organized. Take the time to purge your closet and donate the pieces you haven’t worn in ages—it will do wonders for lessening chaos in your home.

This is a very sore spot in our home. My closet is literally overflowing as are our daughters as well. We’ve taken steps to keep it under control but somehow it just multiplies overnight. 

And honestly, I can’t even see that I wear half of it. As long as I have black leggings and a long shirt or sweatshirt for the day, that’s just about all the clothing items that I need during the winter months. 

Conserves Energy

Another big benefit of clothing donation is energy conservation. It takes a lot of resources to produce a clothing item, including massive amounts of water and fabrics, and every item you purchase goes through a complex manufacturing process. When you recycle clothes you no longer want, you ensure all that vital energy wasn’t a waste.

I shudder to think of all the clothing that just gets tossed away or trashed every single day. Someone, somewhere can use those clothes. 

This experiment also solidified the fact that we need to be aware of our clothing uses and cycles. It was one of those times in life where it just “clicked” about how we can all be a little more aware of all the clothing waste that we do only a daily basis.

Why you should donate old clothes 

When you donate your clothes, you’re improving and benefitting so many different aspects of the world. You’re helping people who need it—whether they’re homeless or disaster victims—you’re helping the environment, and you’re helping the economy. So, the next time you need to purge your closet or want to give back to the community, donate your clothes. It’s just as simple as that.

Where can I donate clothes for a good cause?

There are so many charities and stores that will accept donated clothing. Check with places like:

• Salvation Army
• Veteran Homes in your Area

Make certain that you do your research as well as to what those places do with the clothing. Then, it’s ultimately up to you to make a decision. 

Do women’s shelters accept clothing donations?

Most do, and they’ll take baby clothes as a donation, and children’s clothing, too. If you’re unsure just call ahead and ask what their protocol is for donated clothing. It might just be as easy as pulling up the front door and unloading the clothes to someone who is working there. 

Do homeless shelters take clothing donations?

They do. They’ll also accept donations of blankets, bedding, interview clothing attire and more. Homeless shelters can be a great place to donate your clothes because you then know that it’s going to be freely given to anyone in need, rather than resold in a store for a potential profit. 

When it comes to the benefits of donating clothes, they do far outway any negatives that you might have in your mind. Donating old clothing is a great way to give to those in your community that has a need for the basic necessities of life. 

Do you have any tips for donating clothes? 

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Epicure & Culture

Food, wine & culture for the ethical traveler

How To Discard Your Well-Traveled Clothes Responsibly

By Randy Webs of GreenDrop Charitable Donations

As a traveler and adventurer, you know that as you become well-traveled, so do most of your clothes. Your closet is probably full of clothes that you no longer wear; perhaps they’re a little too worn out or they don’t fit as well anymore.

Instead of letting unwanted clothes gather dust in your closet, why not help out those who could really use extra clothing?

At the most important time of the year, when the weather is at its harshest, clothes donations drop significantly. Here’s how donating used clothing through GreenDrop Charitable Donations or another clothes donation charity can help make a difference in someone’s life.

Table of Contents

Clothing Donations Are Down In Many States

This winter, many charities across the U.S. are experiencing a “freeze” on clothes donations, especially coats. Agencies in Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania have reported alarming drops in the amount of clothing donations they’ve been receiving since the start of the year, with many estimating as much as a 50% drop. This has taken huge bites out of the their business. Not only do these charity stores provide low-cost clothing options for people, but they also pay for many charitable actions, such as rehabilitation programs.

Who Benefits From Your Clothes Donation?

• Homeless People:  Many charities run homeless shelters, which give individuals living on the street a warm bed and shelter in their lives.
• Veterans:  Did you know that almost 25% of homeless people are U.S. veterans? There are many charities that help support military families by lending assistance to veterans who are struggling to make ends meet as the result of disability, hiring discrimination, etc.
• Blind and Visually Impaired Individuals:  There are organizations that raise funds through clothing sales in order to develop new technology and training programs that help blind individuals (including those who are losing their vision) so that they can remain both successful and independent in life.

Three Points That Might Encourage You To Donate

1. Donating clothes to charity is one of the easiest ways to help out other people . You can provide clothing for the disadvantaged and support charitable organizations simply by getting rid of a coat you haven’t worn for three years.

2. On average, American families throw out almost 70 pounds of clothes per year. More than 95% of this clothing could have been recycled.

3. There are many charities that will happily collect donations from your doorstep, so you won’t need to leave your home and brave the cold weather. Just call up a participating charity and let them know you have bags to donate.

As an added bonus, you could make quite a bit of money donating your unwanted clothes to charity. All you need is a receipt from the charitable organization saying you made the donation so that you can assign a fair market value for the deduction.

Always be careful and honest about the value of the clothing you’re donating. If you overstate the value, you could end up paying penalties and interest. If you’re not sure about the remaining market value of your belongings, one easy way to figure it out is to cruise through Ebay’s offerings for similar clothes and see what price these items ultimately sell for.

Do you have advice to add for those wanting to make a clothes donation? Please share in the comments below! 

Recommended:

Greenwashing: What It Is & How To Avoid It [Blog Inspiration]

Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments [Travel Safety]

The Wander Year: One Couple’s Journey Around the World [Great Reads]

Jessica Festa

Jessica Festa is the editor of Epicure & Culture as well as Jessie on a Journey . She enjoys getting lost in new cities and having experiences you don’t read about in guidebooks. Some of her favorite travel experiences have been teaching English in Thailand, trekking her way through South America, backpacking Europe solo, road tripping through Australia, agritouring through Tuscany, and volunteering in Ghana.

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The Benefits of Donating Your Clothing

The society of st. vincent de paul.

• July 29, 2022

If you’ve been thinking about cleaning through your clothes but don’t know what to do with the items you no longer want, consider donating them to a local charity! Donating your clothes is easy and can benefit you and so many others as a result. 

Not convinced yet? Take a look at these three key benefits of donating your clothing:

Declutter your home.

Maintaining a neat, clutter-free home is easier said than done. If your closet and drawers are overflowing onto your floors, chairs, and everywhere in between, it may be time for some purging. While going through your clothes, if you have any items you don’t want anymore that are new or slightly used and in good condition, consider donating them to charity!

Free up your closet space for new items and regain organization of your home by donating all those clothing pieces you saved thinking you would wear them, but in reality, you never did. Your closet will have a new life, and so will someone else’s!

Protect The Planet

It’s true; donating your clothing is a simple way to practice sustainability. Did you know that the fashion industry is one of the largest global polluters? Throwing out clothes before they’ve been worn is a waste; recycling, on the other hand, gives clothes a chance to be loved and used by someone else before it gets torn and becomes unwearable. 

Charities that accept clothing donations help divert millions of clothing items from local landfills every year. So, rather than tossing out that slightly out of style shirt or the pants that don’t fit you anymore, donate them so they can be recycled and reused responsibly. 

Help Your Community

Donating your clothing is a simple and effective way to support people living in and around your community. Donated items sold in thrift stores are much cheaper and more affordable for those that need them. Your donated clothing might also be used to help those with disabilities, disaster victims, veterans, and so many more people in need.  

Are you looking to donate clothing on Long Island? Consider donating to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul thrift stores. 

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has been helping Long Islanders for more than 70 years in a multitude of ways; no work of charity is foreign to the society. We provide financial and material assistance, along with emotional and spiritual comfort, to help people facing all sorts of challenges. Although affiliated with the Catholic Church, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul helps anyone in need, regardless of their race, religion, age, or citizenship status. 

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has two thrift stores on Long Island, in Garden City and Huntington, where you can donate clothing and shop for clothes, furniture, home goods, and more. Learn more about our thrift stores here .  

Get in contact with us and learn more about how we help our community, how to donate, and our volunteer opportunities on our website . 

• Family Life

Donating clothes to charity: how to donate clothes

Donating clothes to charity : how to donate clothes.

So, you’ve finally sorted out the ever-growing pile of clothes you convinced yourself you’d wear again but never did. You’ve also managed to sneak in that t-shirt of your partner’s. You know, the one with a sentimental stain to mark every story... But what should you do with it? It'd be a shame to throw something so loved in the bin, so why not consider donating what you can to charity? Read our guide on how to donate clothes to charity and prepare them for donation below.  

In this article, discover everything you need to know about donating clothes to charity :  

• The benefits of donating clothes to charity.  
• Where you can donate your clothes.  
• Which clothes you can donate.  
• How to prepare your clothes for donation.

What are the benefits of donating clothing

Donating old clothes may not seem like much at first glance, but it is an easy and thoughtful way to give back to and care for the community ( and get rid of those you swore you’d wear again, even though you tore it while ambitiously attempting some new moves). Some of your clothes could go direct to people in need, or be sold in charity shops and thrift stores that raise funds for charities. This means that by donating your clothes, you can help vulnerable people directly, or help charities raise money for loads of different causes.

If you’re interested in supporting a specific cause, you can research which cause each organisation that takes donations supports, and choose the organisation to donate your clothes to accordingly.

In addition to caring for the community, donating clothes helps care for the planet as it reduces waste and gives your clothes a new life and contributes to the effort of making fashion sustainable. Speaking of which, read our article on how to upcycle your clothes to help care for the planet.  

Another perk of donating clothes that is worth mentioning is that it’s an efficient way to declutter your home. We all know that having a good declutter can help us declutter our minds too. Donating clothes to charity not only benefits others, but can be a great bit of self-care too - what’s not to love! Plus, it clears space in your wardrobe for- oh! That's where that other trainer went after your partner's 5k last summer – if you can still call that crusty, muddy old thing a shoe...

Another perk of donating clothes that is worth mentioning is that it’s an efficient way to declutter your home . We all know that having a good declutter can help us declutter our minds too. Donating clothes to charity not only benefits others, but can be a great bit of self-care too - what’s not to love! Plus, it clears space in your wardrobe for- oh! That's where that other trainer went after your partner's 5k last summer – if you can still call that crusty, muddy old thing a shoe...

How to donate old clothes and where to donate them

Are you considering donating your clothes? Keep reading to find out how to give clothes to charity! There are several options, depending on your preference or what’s convenient. Here is a list of some methods you can use to donate clothes to charity :  

• Wondering how to donate clothes to charity shops ? Most of the time, you will be able to drop off your clothes at your local charity shop during its opening hours. If they have a website, check in advance what their standard process for donating clothes is.  
• Alternatively, you can also donate your clothes to clothing banks. They will then be sorted and distributed to shops and charity partners all around the world.  
• Some charities also do house-to-house collections, or send door-to-door collection bags.   

Once you’ve chosen your preferred method of donation, it’s time to find out which clothing items can be donated.

Which clothing items can you donate?

What clothes can you donate ? This will often depend on where you’re dropping off your clothes, and on the charity that you’re donating to.  

Generally, you can donate these clothes to charity shops:  

• Accessories... 1  

However, charity shops might not accept:  

• Used swimwear and underwear  
• Clothing items made with animal fur  
• Branded uniforms, such as school uniforms or workwear  
• Children’s clothing and costumes that do not have fire safety labels  
• Clothes that have holes, marks on, rips, or extreme fading. These clothes should be considered for recycling instead. 2

Before bringing your donation bag to the charity shop of your choice, check online to see if they have a list of items they accept.

Now you know what you can take to a charity shop. But what can you put in a clothes bank? Clothing banks accept the same items as charity shops, and additionally, items that charity shops might not take. Because clothing banks sort and separate the clothing items received for recycling, for direct donation, or to be sent to charity shops, they can accept over washed clothes, clothes that have marks on, or slight mishaps. 3

Overall, try to keep in mind that the clothes you’re donating will be sold in charity shops to raise money for various causes, or given to people in need directly. It’s therefore better for the items to be in good conditions, though it is understandable if they are not perfect. After all, they are pre-loved items. As long as they seem in fairly good shape, they will help make a difference and care for the community in their second lives!

How to prepare your clothes for donation

You’ve read about the benefits of donating clothes to charity , how to donate your clothes , and which clothes can be considered for donation. The time has come to now prepare your clothes for donation! Now that you’ve selected the clothing items you want to donate, you need to inspect them for signs of wear.   

As mentioned above, charity shops will not be able to sell items that have holes or marks. Each imperfection – whether it's the grass-stained elbow of your housemate's old rugby jersey, or the hardened sticky sleeve of your go-to "going out" top that's seen one too many cocktails – tells a story of the adventures and moments shared. And besides, these much-loved artefacts might be better upcycled into something new that you can keep and continue to cherish, anyways?  

Next, check that all pockets are empty! You wouldn’t want to leave your keys, jewelleries, or even a pack of pocket tissues in there – especially if it’s got the remnants of that hearty, wholesome soup you managed to slop down your front (it was a cold day and a very warming soup, though). Once you’ve checked that the clothes are in good conditions and emptied the pockets, a question that you might ask yourself is: can you donate unwashed clothes ?  

As a rule of thumb, you should always wash and dry the clothes you are donating. Charity shops inspect the clothes that they receive before selling them, and items that are stained or too dirty are usually discarded. Washing the clothes before donation is therefore greatly appreciated as it helps keep everything sanitary, and ensures that clothes can be sold to raise funds.  

While charity shops ask people to wash clothing items beforehand, they can’t know for sure that all clothes have been washed. Therefore, to care for the community and protect vulnerable people, make sure to wash the clothes you’re donating. Plus, who doesn’t like the smell of fresh laundry? 4

If you've stained your clothes (maybe your housemate was shovelling that takeaway into their mouth a little too enthusiastically...) it’s best to act fast. Remove the stain with strong kitchen roll, like 2024’s Product of the Year*, Plenty Flexisheets . With the 50% longer Flexisheets,** you choose what you use. Whether it’s a big blob of curry or a smattering of mango chutney, clean big AND little stains with Flexisheets.

You now have all the information you need on how to donate old clothes and prepare them for donation. Donating your clothes is a small gesture that contributes to caring for your community, by generating funds for important causes, and helping people in need. So, next time you want to declutter your wardrobe, consider giving your unwanted clothes to charity!

1 Oxfam, “Donating clothes,” 

2  Cancer Research, “Items we can’t accept,”

3  Recycled Clothing Banks, “Where your old clothes donations go,”  

4  BBC, “Charity shops: Six things to check before you drop off your old stuff,” 

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The aftermath of fast fashion: how discarded clothes impact public health and the environment ., textile waste and environmental racism is a public health issue. and art may play a powerful role in advancing our advocacy..

The Aftermath of Fast Fashion

How discarded clothes impact public health and the environment, dielle lundberg, julia devoy, phd, mts, mba.

Every year, people in the United States throw out more than 34 billion pounds of used textiles. Divided across the population, that’s more than 100 pounds of textile waste per person each year. 

However, textile waste generation does not occur equally. People with higher incomes generate on average 76% more clothing waste than people with lower incomes.

Once textiles are discarded, 66% of them are sent to landfills in the U.S. where they decompose — some quickly and others over hundreds of years. While landfills in the U.S. are designed in theory to capture and contain landfill gasses and polluted waters that emerge during the decomposition process, numerous health concerns have been reported by people living near landfill sites. Landfills are also not located equitably. Landfills are 2.8 times more likely to be located in areas with a higher percentage of BIPOC residents.

Ultimately, only 15% of used textiles are theoretically ‘recycled,’ and of those, up to half are simply shipped abroad to other countries, largely in the Global South where they land in landfills there. These countries often have less advanced municipal waste systems, meaning that the environmental damage and health impacts of decomposing textiles will be much greater there than they would be in the United States.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by BU School of Public Health (@busph)

As Matilda Lartey , an environmental activist and artisan in Ghana, explained in a recent panel discussion , textile waste from the United States has multiple impacts on countries like Ghana: 

• Much of the clothing sent from abroad is of too low quality to use, meaning it goes directly into landfills or open-air dumps. From there, the gas and chemical leachates that emerge during the decomposition process pollute the air, soil, and groundwater and negatively impact the environment and health of humans and other species. 
• Unwanted used clothing often clogs the gutters, preventing water from flowing properly. This exacerbates flooding and leads to water-borne disease. This is particularly problematic as climate change has increased the incidence of flooding in many parts of the Global South.
• Due to limited space, people will burn unwanted clothing, resulting in significant air pollution impacting respiratory and cardiovascular health.

Many people in the Global North (primarily the US and Europe) assume when they donate clothes to organizations like Salvation Army, Goodwill, or Planet Aid that they will be reused locally, but this is typically not the case. The amount of used clothing that thrift stores in the United States receive greatly exceeds the amount that they are able to sell here. Thus their solution is to ship the excess clothing abroad.

But this system of shipping unwanted used clothing to other countries relies on a major assumption — that these countries ‘want’ it. Increasingly, that is simply not to be the case. Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Burundi have all either banned or attempted to ban used clothing imports.

While the issue of shipping clothing abroad often spurs a polarized debate between those concerned about its environmental and health impacts and those convinced that it benefits the countries who receive it, the real issue, at the end of the day, isn’t the fact that clothing is being shipped abroad but rather that the amount of clothing being shipped is far too great and the quality of the textiles sent is too low.

That’s where Aftermath comes in!

Aftermath, an environmental and public health sculpture is a large-scale art advocacy installation that explores the serious impacts of textile waste. As part of its upcoming national tour, the sculpture is on display at the Boston University School of Public Health from September 19 to October 7, 2022, in the lobby of the Talbot Building.

Created by developmental psychologist and social activist Julia DeVoy (associate dean of undergraduates at Boston College. LSEHD) and her long-time collaborator Dielle Lundberg (research fellow at BUSPH, public health data analyst, and multimedia artist), alongside premier artist Mark Cooper (professor at Boston College), the Aftermath sculpture brings together textiles, a landfill simulating reactor, and technology to ask: “What do we do with the mountain of used clothing that is being generated every single year in the United States?”

While the Aftermath sculpture is designed to invite more questions than answers, for those left yearning for solutions, the sculpture provides several entry points for learning. Embedded within the sculpture is activist ‘protest’ signs in the shape of everyday T-shirts that contain QR codes that link to Textile Waste Facts — a free and public 30-minute crash course on textile waste and environmental justice developed in tandem with the Aftermath sculpture. The multimedia learning modules include firsthand accounts from environmental activists and people affected by fashion pollution in the Global South, interactive data visualizations, and an opportunity to create your own personal action plan for contributing to individual and policy-level changes.

Ultimately, Aftermath challenges its audience to reframe fashion textile pollution as an issue of global public health and environmental justice that can only be solved through sustained, transdisciplinary and collective efforts to achieve real political and applied action changes.

While it does serve as a warning, it points to many generative possibilities too — most importantly the power of interdisciplinary, collaborative, and global dialogue to intervene in a climate crisis and create shared value for real people, planet, and purpose. 

The Activist Lab at the School of Public Health is partnering with Dielle Lundberg to bring “Aftermath” to the Boston University Medical Campus. The sculpture will be on display in the lobby of the Talbot Building from September 19 through October 7. The Activist Lab is also hosting a panel discussion on October 6 that explores the public health consequences of textile waste and environmental racism and the role that art can play in advancing public health .

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• activist lab
• Environmental Health
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The Aftermath of Fast Fashion: How Discarded Clothes Impact Public Health and the Environment

Dielle Lundberg is a research assistant in the Department of Global Health at Boston University School of Public Health, and a 2019 graduate of BUSPH's MPH program. Profile

Julia DeVoy, PhD, MTS, MBA Julia Devoy’s research and teaching are concentrated on the‎ relationship of social class ‎variables to the human lifespan, with a focus ‎on social mobility ‎among low-income ‎global citizens that examines ‎personal aspects, as well as ‎ecological contexts‎ such as ‎family, faith, ‎workplace, ‎community and ‎educational ‎settings, which facilitate or constrain development. She is currently investigating ways in which economically disempowered individuals‎ develop dual ‎class-based ‎psychological identities in order to transition to elevated economic levels ‎while maintaining healthy ‎emotional‎ well-being and relational support.‎ In the field, she advises on the design of social impact initiatives as interventions for helping address systemic social inequities. Profile

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Washington Square News

The Nuances of Donating Clothes

When we donate to Goodwill or Salvation Army, it is with good intentions — to help people in need and to be more sustainable in how we dispose of unwanted clothing. However, where our donated clothes end up has been masked by the idea of charity. In light of the growing economy of thrifting culture, this has become particularly problematic and created an unstable system of international dependency. What we believed to be a charitable act has actually been detrimental to some Zambians for decades.

In 1991, Zambia opened its markets to free trade after years of owing money to the International Monetary Fund, allowing foreign countries to export their products into Zambia in exchange for loans from those countries. This brought in container after container of used clothes that wholesalers could sell without paying for production, labor costs or tariffs. This inevitably undercut the cost of domestic manufacturers and put them out of business. Since then, charity thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army have been large contributors to this ongoing problem. These charities only keep the clothes people donate. They sell the ones they believe are profitable in their stores, and the rest are sold to companies that will clean and sell the clothes to developing countries at a higher price. Local sellers then buy the bales of clothes to sell at salaula markets. The once-extensive clothing and textile industry in Zambia is now virtually extinct today because of this long-standing cycle. 

There is no simple solution to this. Zambia is increasingly reliant on donations that damage local businesses and create a cycle of economic oppression. It doesn’t help that there is a growing thrift shopping culture amongst American millennials and Generation Zers, who are unaware that this is an issue to begin with. I didn’t know of this problem until I came to NYU and took a class about the globalization of fashion, so it’s safe to say that many thrift shoppers don’t know about the potential implications of their actions. 

Since learning about where donated clothes end up, I’ve been more careful about where I choose to give my clothes, in order to avoid this neo-colonial act that keeps Zambians reliant on the West. I continue to shop at charity thrift stores, so that my money funds the charity, but I have not donated clothing to them to avoid the possibility of it ending up in a landfill in a developing nation. This is one solution on the individual level to avoid the continued exploitation of Zambia. 

We need to have transparent conversations about how seemingly harmless acts like donating clothes are actually acts that keep certain countries in purgatory. The onus is on the consumer ; only by choosing to do better can we begin to fight the problem. 

Opinions expressed on the editorial pages are not necessarily those of WSN, and our publication of opinions is not an endorsement of them.

Email Clare Shiraishi at [email protected] .

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The Truth About Your Clothing Donations

Sitting in the corner of my closet is a brown paper bag filled with castoff clothes. Despite my best efforts to avoid needless purchases, ill-fitting jackets, and outdated dresses continue to accumulate like dust in the dark corners of my apartment. These are the inexpensive, expendable clothes I plan on donating to my local Goodwill or Salvation Army. For most Americans, this process of purging is nothing new. Making charitable donations is practically routine for consumers like me, who recoil at the idea of throwing away usable, once loved clothing. After all, a decent portion of my own wardrobe is secondhand. I always figured my unwanted clothes would find a second life with a thrifty hipster who would cherish them more than I had. It wasn't until I began researching for this article that I discovered I was wrong.

Supply has begun to far outweigh demand when it comes to used clothing. The Salvation Army was founded in the 1880s when most clothes were still handmade and donations were usually in great condition. A dramatic shift came when consumer culture set in during the postwar 1950s. Increased incomes led to diversified wardrobes, and charities began receiving enough donations to open retail outlets primarily for the sale of secondhand garments. But it wasn't until the onset of fast fashion in the 1990s that things took a turn for the worse. Unsurprisingly, the sharp decline in clothing prices has had a dramatic effect on shopping habits. Americans now buy five times as much clothing as they did in 1980, and this trend has had far-reaching side effects. In the 1990s, donations to Goodwill increased by 10 percent every single year. Despite the rapid rise in donations, today's mass produced clothing is of such poor quality that even if it's donated, it's often deemed unfit even for Goodwill.

"Particularly due to the advent of cheap, disposable clothing, charities have seen themselves transformed into dumps that accept clothes of varying condition in ever-increasing volumes," says Elizabeth Cline, author of Overdressed: The Shockingly High Price of Cheap Fashion. Nowadays, less than 20 percent of clothing donations made to charities are actually resold there. Increasingly, textile recyclers are being relied upon to manage an unstoppable influx of clothing. The recycling industry is as old as textiles themselves, but the staggering spike in consumption has given it new life. Today, the majority of clothing donations, about 45 percent, are exported by for-profit recyclers to developing countries around the world.

It turns out that this market, born entirely of our unwanted duds, is thriving. Robert Goode is the owner of Mac Recycling, a company that ships enormous bales of used clothing purchased from charities to buyers all across the globe every week. "Pretty much you can pick any country and there's a market for these items," he says. The international roster ranges from Central and South America to Asia, Africa, and Europe. Though textile recyclers have endured their share of misunderstanding, they provide an inarguably valuable service to charities. To put it in numbers, the U.S. currently exports a billion pounds of worn clothing per year. Without the intervention of textile recyclers, our enormous surplus of charitable donations would be rendered useless and sent to landfills.

Still, this model is far from perfect. Dr. Andrew Brooks, the author of Clothing Poverty, argues that the flow of Western clothing to developing countries negatively affects them by disrupting local economies and putting textile workers out of jobs. For example, the market for used clothing has expanded so dramatically in Uganda that it now accounts for 81 percent of all clothing purchases. Brooks also points to Ghana, where textile and clothing employment fell by 80 percent between 1975 and 2000. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the constant flood of used clothing is so pervasive that it's even part of the language. In his book, Brooks translates the colloquial Ghanaian phrase "obroni wawu" to "clothes of the dead white man."

In addition to reselling overseas, a significant amount of used clothing is recycled by textile processing facilities for commercial and industrial use. Around 40 percent is claimed by one of the U.S.'s 3,000-plus textile processing facilities and made into wiping cloths, insulation for homes and cars, or carpet padding. Recently, clothing companies have begun to incentive recycling themselves with programs geared towards decreasing waste and closing the production loop.

Fast fashion giant H&M has begun what it claims to be the first garment collection initiative in the fashion industry. "Today, you can hand in any clothes you no longer want. That way, we can reduce waste and give old products a new life," says the company. Consumers are offered discounts or vouchers as a reward. It's an ironic approach given that H&M's success is dependent on the continued consumption of cheap, trend-driven fashion. Nonetheless, it's a better alternative than throwing old clothes away.

Out of the clothing donated to Goodwill for resell in 2014, a whopping 11 percent was sent to landfills, the transportation of which cost the organization millions of dollars. "Every year, Americans throw away 12.7 million tons, or 68 pounds of textiles per person, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, which also estimates that 1.6 million tons of this waste could be recycled or reused" asserts Cline. America's consumption problem is a big one that even our best efforts to resell and recycle can't resolve.

It's time to take responsibility for the life cycle of our clothing. While up-cycling, mending, or making charitable donations continue to be viable routes to take, arguably the easiest and most economical way we can have a positive impact is simply by reducing the amount we consume. Rather than constantly refreshing our wardrobe according to seasonal trends, we can invest in timeless styles of better quality. Most of us have at least a handful of special pieces we wear time and time again, regardless of what's heading down the runways. For me, it's a vintage coat made of rabbit fur and suede that will be a staple in my wardrobe for a least a few decades. The power to re-frame clothing as meaningful investments rather than expendable bargains is in our hands and our wallets. Fast fashion may be the rule, but we can be the exception. 

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Understanding The Impact Of Clothes Donations On Orphanages Around The World

• March 6, 2023

Over 153 million children  are reportedly orphans all around the world. This means that at least 153 million kids are without guardians and several of whom have dropped out of school. In India, for example, 4% of the country’s youth  population is orphaned, with figures rising due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In such circumstances, providing orphaned children with necessities like food and clothing becomes crucial for their psycho-social development. This blog highlights the impact of clothes donations on orphanages all over the world.

1. Boosting Children Self-Esteem

One of the great impacts of clothes donations is the boost in children’s self-esteem. Often, orphanages in India, the Philippines, and other developing nations do not have enough resources to clothe all orphaned children under their care. So when they these children do receive clothing, you’ll notice the increase in their confidence and self-esteem almost immediately.

2. Protection Against Climate Change

We all know climate change worsens and grows more extreme with each passing season. For orphanages and charity organizations all around the world, this poses great problems, especially when trying to find and distribute clothing to children living in harsher climates.

By donating some clothes to an orphanage near you, you’ll be helping several children stay warm during harsh winter.

3. Saving Orphanage’s Resources

Because most orphanages and charity organizations run exclusively on the contributions of donor bodies, agencies, and individuals, they often do not have enough resources to clothe every child in their care. That’s why the impact of clothes donations is so significant because it helps reduce pressure on the orphanage’s resources.

4. Environmental-Friendly Practice

The world produces a staggering amount of textile waste, which can be significantly reduced through clothing donations and other recycling practices. So we encourage you to adopt eco-friendly habits and donate clothes to orphanages near you.

Bring A Smile To An Orphaned Child’s Face

Orphan organizations worldwide recognize the impact of clothes donations on children’s self-esteem. Our Clothes for Orphan Project (COP)  has provided clothes to thousands of orphaned children affected by HIV/AIDs. We aim to build a happier environment for orphans and ensure that they have appropriate clothing for different seasons. And you can help us achieve this goal by donating to our program .

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Orphan life foundation is a non-profit organization. all donations are tax deductible. charity number: 81-4314076., our projects, our programs, fundraising, giving tuesday, join our newsletter, © 2000–2023 orphan life foundation. all rights reserved. site by hexaflux.

7 Reasons Why You Should Donate Clothing (and Other Items)

by Goodwill South Texas | Oct 28, 2022 | News

Thinking about throwing away those clothes you don’t wear anymore? Think again. 

When you donate clothing, you’re contributing to a sustainable market and giving others the opportunity to develop their chic, unique fashion senses. There are countless reasons why you should donate clothing and other reusable items, so here are 7 of the most popular:

1. When You Donate Clothing, You’re Reducing Consumerism and Waste

Americans throw away more than 68 pounds of clothing and textiles, per person, each year. That’s a lot of waste!

When you donate clothing instead, you’re reducing your carbon footprint and doing your part to make the world a healthier place. You might not think you’re making a huge difference, but if everyone donates clothes worthy of a second home, it could substantially reduce the amount of waste that ends up in our landfills. 

2. Recycling Clothes Can Improve Your Health

To coincide with the point above, clothing production is stressful on our environment. It creates more pollution, which often leads to serious health issues. 

According to the EPA’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act , “Many textile manufacturing facilities [are considered] to be hazardous waste generators.” Not only does this waste impact factory textile workers, but also the general population. By donating your clothes and giving them a second home, you’re helping reduce the amount of textiles produced. 

3. You’re Helping Fund Training Programs

In our post Where to Donate Clothes to Do The Most Good , we talked about how roughly 82% of Goodwill’s revenue goes toward job training programs and placement services. These programs are only made possible by donations like yours. 

While you might think you’re just donating clothes, you’re actually contributing to a nonprofit dedicated to helping people develop the skills they need to find work and change their lives!

4. You Can Declutter Your Closet

Do you ever feel like you can’t find anything? Donating clothes you don’t wear anymore will make it easier for you to find what you’re looking for, saving you time and unnecessary stress.

Also, decluttering is very calming. Research even draws a connection between having less stuff and increased happiness! Don’t believe us? Check out any of these books on decluttering .

5. It Makes Moving Cheaper and Easier

The less you have to pack during a move, the easier it will be. Also, fewer boxes mean you can rent a cheaper U-Haul, or your hired movers will have less to transport. Either way, you’re saving time and money. 

6. You’ll Help Someone Else Find a Bargain

Donating clothes still in good condition will help thrift shoppers dress themselves with style and dignity, without breaking their banks. The clothes you’re donating may no longer fit your style, but they’re all but guaranteed to fit someone else’s! 

Also, because thrift shoppers aren’t scouring stores that sell hundreds of the same items, you’re helping someone define their unique personality and style. 

7. You Get a Tax Write-Off

Goodwill is a nonprofit organization. When you donate clothing and other items at one of our store locations , you’ll receive a donation receipt where you can itemize all your donated items and their assumed cash value. If you don’t know the exact amount, or if you haven’t saved a receipt, that’s okay! You can guestimate for now, and talk to your tax person when it comes time to file. 

Final Thoughts on Why You Should Donate to Goodwill

There are so many reasons why you should donate clothing. To learn more, or to visit a Goodwill store near you, check out our website . We’ve always got an amazing deal going on, all thanks to donations from people like you!

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An Inspiration To Enhanced Life

Why Clothing Donation Matters and How Your Old Garments Can Make a Difference

Is your closet starting to look like a scene from ‘Hoarders’?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. We’ve all been guilty of holding onto clothes we haven’t worn in years. But instead of letting them collect dust (and taking up valuable space) , why not put them to good use? Clothing donation is not only a great way to declutter, but it can also make a big impact on those in need. 

So let’s dive into why clothing donation matters, and how your old threads can help make the world a better place (and give your closet a much-needed makeover) .”

Why Choose to Donate Clothes?

source: pinterest.com

According to a report by the World Bank, approximately 767 million people live in extreme poverty, meaning they live on less than $1.90 per day. For many of these individuals, access to basic necessities like clothing is limited. In addition, natural disasters, conflicts, and other crises can lead to widespread displacement and loss of personal belongings, including clothing. As a result, clothing donations like those from PickUp Please Clinton Township can play an important role in providing much-needed clothing to those who may not have access otherwise. 

How Your Old Apparel Can Make A Difference.

Choosing to donate clothes can have a positive impact on both individuals and the environment. 

Below are essential reasons why:

• Helping those in need: Donating clothes can provide clothing for those who may not have access otherwise, such as homeless individuals, low-income families, and disaster victims.
• Promoting sustainability: With the help of donation pickup near me, you can help reduce waste and conserve resources. Textile waste is a significant contributor to landfills, and by donating clothes, you can help extend the life of these textiles and prevent them from ending up in the trash.
• Decluttering your space: Donating is a great way to declutter your closet and make space for new items. Instead of letting unused clothes take up valuable space, donating them can help you simplify and organize your home.
• Tax benefits: In some cases, donating clothes can provide tax benefits. Check with your local tax laws to see if your donations qualify for a tax deduction.
• Conserve resources: b By donating your old clothes, you can help reduce waste and conserve resources . Textile waste is a significant contributor to landfills, and by donating clothes, you can help extend the life of these textiles and prevent them from ending up in the trash.
• Raise funds for charities: Some organizations sell donated clothes in thrift stores or online marketplaces to raise funds for their programs and initiatives. Your donated clothes can help support these charities and make a positive impact in your community.

Overall, donating your old clothes can make a difference in the lives of others and promote a more sustainable future. So the next time you clean out your closet, consider donating your old clothes to a local charity or organization in need.

How to Choose a Nonprofit or Charity to Support

Selecting the right organization to donate your clothes to is an important decision. To ensure that your donations are used effectively and make a real impact, it is crucial to donate to reputable organizations like PickUp Please Clinton Township. 

Here are some tips for selecting the right organizations to donate to:

• Do your research: Before donating, take the time to research the organization you are considering by searching donation center near me . Look for information about their mission, programs, and impact. You can check their website, read reviews from other donors, or reach out to the organization directly to learn more.
• Check their transparency and accountability: Reputable organizations should be transparent about how they use donations and how they measure their impact. Look for organizations that regularly report on their activities and finances, and that have systems in place to ensure accountability.
• Look for certifications: Some organizations have certifications that indicate they meet certain standards for transparency and effectiveness. Look for certifications such as the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, or GuideStar.
• Consider the organization’s specific needs : Different organizations may have different needs when it comes to clothing donations. Some may specialize in providing professional attire for job interviews, while others may focus on providing warm clothing for winter months. Consider the specific needs of the organization you are donating to and donate accordingly.

Choosing reputable organizations to donate your clothes to will help you can ensure that your donations are used effectively and make a real difference in the lives of others.

Involving Your Friends and Family

Donating clothing items can be a fun and rewarding activity to do with friends and family. Here are some ways to involve your loved ones in donating clothes together:

• Host a clothing swap: Instead of donating your clothes individually, consider hosting a clothing swap with your friends and family. This allows everyone to exchange clothes they no longer wear, while also getting new items for themselves.
• Organize a group donation drive: Set a date and time for you and your loved ones to gather and donate your wardrobe together. You can make it a fun and social event by providing snacks and drinks, and even make it a competition to see who can donate the most items.
• Volunteer together: Consider volunteering at a local donation center or charity together. This allows you and your loved ones to make a direct impact in your community, while also spending quality time together.
• Set a common goal: If you and your loved ones have a shared interest in a particular cause or organization, consider setting a common goal for donating clothes. This can provide a sense of purpose and motivation and can help you work together towards a common goal.
• Use social media to spread the word: Share your efforts to donate clothes with your social media followers, and encourage them to get involved as well. This can inspire others to join in and make a difference in their own communities.

By involving your friends and family in donating clothes together, you can make a bigger impact and have fun while doing it. It’s a great way to spend quality time with loved ones while also giving back to those in need.

In conclusion, donating your old apparel is a simple and effective way to make a positive impact on the world. By donating to reputable organizations, you can provide clothing for those in need, promote job opportunities, conserve resources, and support charities in your community. Your old clothes can make a difference in the lives of others, and help create a more sustainable future. So the next time you clean out your closet, consider donating your old clothes to an organization in need. Not only will you be helping others, but you will also be contributing to a better world for all.

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Restoring Hope Dignity One Thread at a Time

Clothing Across America

Clothing Across America, Inc. is a unique national nonprofit that performs as a conduit between non-profit human service agencies and manufacturers.  We provide brand new clothes and personal care items to nonprofit agencies free of charge. We collaborate with shelters (homeless, abuse victims, veterans, single mothers, and youth), clothing banks/closets, and emergency relief organizations to distribute the new clothing and personal care products.  Often these non-profits don’t have the resources or space to store large amounts of clothing items or to secure clothing from manufacturers.  We carefully vet nonprofit organizations and maintain a long term relationship with them. We walk alongside them to help those in need step out of poverty.

Why Clothing?

While clothing is considered a basic need – it is one of the basic needs that can actually change a life ! Clothing empowers people. Being firm believers that clothing speaks volumes about the person, we see the importance of providing the proper tools for people struggling to get ahead in a job or a child just trying to fit in with their classmates. We want to level the playing field by giving people in need the same visual and emotional advantages to step out of poverty.

New clothing has a profound effect on people  Researchers coined the term “enclothed cognition” to describe the mental changes we undergo when we wear certain clothing. “Clothes cognition is really about becoming the clothes themselves and having them direct who you are an how you act in the world,” study author Adam Galinsky said. “When you are putting on a suit, we are not only impressing other people, but we are also giving an impression to ourselves.”

There is nothing like embarking on a journey to help those in need. Clothing Across America reaches out across the country helping those in need by aiding clothing banks, shelters, and emergency relief organizations free of charge. We send brand new merchandise to our affiliates and they distribute those items to people in poverty. We are available for advice as well as act as a conduit to connect non- profits across the nation.

According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, “Nearly 24 million children have parents without full-time jobs and many others earn too little to help their families flourish.” Many of those families receive help from government entitlements but still can’t afford to purchase clothes for their children. CAA is here to help. Will you take the journey with us to restore hope and dignity one thread at a time?

Please make a donation to make a difference in someone’s live.

Please join us on this journey to restore hope and dignity across America by making a donation to this link.

Would you like to receive updates about Clothing Across America? Please add your email address below.

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Clothing the Homeless is a 501(c)(3) charity that relies solely on donations. Your support is not just a donation; it's a lifeline for those who rely on us. We urgently need your help to ensure we can pay storage fees for our van and clothing. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help us continue our mission. CLICK ON DONATE TO SEE OUR PROGRESS!

We have a big need for men's and women's underwear. Select the Donate button to find out how to donate.

A good pair of shoes can make a world of difference to the homeless. We have a big need for shoe donations, specifically closed toes shoes. Sneakers are ideal. (No heels.)

CTH is run completely by volunteers and we could use your help. We need help sorting and organizing donations as well as distributing clothes to the homeless. All distributions are held outdoors with safety precautions. Please click on one of the links to find out more as well as how to sign up.

• Saturday, Jun 15 - Distribution at the Hub Resource Center Distribution at the Hub Resource Center in Orange

Our volunteers distributed necessities to 35 homeless.

Our volunteers distributed necessities to 53 homeless.

Our volunteers distributed necessities to 17 homeless.

Our volunteers distributed necessities to 70 homeless.

Our volunteers distributed necessities to 23 homeless.

• Check back for tagging and sorting volunteer opportunities in the future.

The Covid pandemic and restrictions have impacted all of us. We've been fortunate to have our generous sponsors and other big-hearted individuals continue to donate backpacks, clothing and other items. Since many of our past distribution sites were closed due to Covid, we had to think of new ways to distribute clothing and other necessities to the increasing number of people living on the streets. For most of this year, our Director Mitch and a few other dedicated volunteers have conducted impromptu "Ninja Runs". For our Ninja runs, we load the van with necessities: backpacks, blankets, sweaters, jackets, etc. We drive to areas in Costa Mesa, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Stanton, and Riverside to distribute these items directly to people living on the streets. We've been able to serve over 600 individuals with some basic necessities to help them survive on the streets. We are grateful for all your monetary, clothing and other items donated to help make these runs possible.

Do you have a sleeping bag that you haven't used recently? Consider donating it to CTH.

We rely 100% on volunteers from all faiths and backgrounds to help at distributions and our "Ninja Runs".

"I can't thank you enough for your donations to our agency today. The donation was incredibly generous. I hope that you did enjoy giving as much as I enjoy all the hope and comfort these clothes will bring to the people I serve every day."

Opinion Donate clothes? You’re contributing to Africa’s ‘mitumba’ problem.

Establishing robust recycling infrastructure will demand support from the public and private sectors.

Kenya Wiley is a policy counsel and fashion law professor at Georgetown University. She previously served as counsel and senior policy adviser for the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

If you’ve donated clothing to a local charity or tossed your stained shirts in a drop-off bin, chances are your discarded items will be dumped in Africa, winding up in landfills, water and eventually breaking down into microplastics. Your castoff T-shirt will be among millions of items harming human health, marine life and local economies. In 2021, the United States was the leading exporter of secondhand clothing, according to United Nations data , and Africa was one of the main destinations for these goods. The intention is for vendors to sell at African markets, but the quality of the used clothing — referred to as mitumba — is often so poor and soiled that the items are dumped or burned as fuel.

This week, Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto is making an official state visit to the United States, marking the first time in nearly 16 years for an African leader to do so. President Biden and Ruto are discussing trade and investment between the two countries, but there’s one part of trade policy that must not be overlooked: the billion dollars of used clothing we ship every year that ends up as textile waste in Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania and other countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

Transforming a decades-old trade law can address the mitumba problem. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) — a trade preference program between the United States and certain African countries — was first signed into law in 2000 and is set to expire in 2025. It provides duty-free treatment to encourage trade and investment in apparel and other products, but it does not go far enough. The initiative should expand its focus beyond apparel manufacturing, as AGOA-eligible countries have done for years, but also encourage investments in recycling infrastructure to tackle the escalating textile waste problem.

This revision would help spur private investments for start-ups to scale recycling innovation in Africa — for both low-quality secondhand clothing and fabric scraps from factories in countries where apparel manufacturing is on the rise . Fabric recycling is a multifaceted process, requiring advanced chemistry for cleaning, funding for technology developments in artificial intelligence to identify and sort fiber blends, and mechanical engineering to transform old tees into new materials. Establishing robust recycling infrastructure in Africa will demand support from both the public and private sectors.

For a bipartisan precedent that can guide the needed revisions, look no further than the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, the 2020 law Congress passed to combat ocean plastic pollution worldwide. That was followed by USAID’s launch of the Save Our Seas Initiative, with support from U.S. and international businesses. Such a blueprint can be used in the reauthorization of AGOA to tackle textile waste in Africa, foster innovation and empower entrepreneurs.

Yet cleaning up Africa’s existing textile waste will address only part of the problem. Investing in talent across the continent is crucial to prevent future pollution. African entrepreneurs have age-old answers to environmental sustainability that must not be overlooked — particularly by brands striving for circular solutions so that items stay in use for longer periods.

Designing with durability has been a part of African cultures for centuries, using weaving techniques and high-quality fabrics passed from generation to generation. Young entrepreneurs are also leading the way in developing innovative products and materials across the continent — turning farm waste into biodegradable fabrics and fusing art and commerce to redesign secondhand items. In 2023, entrepreneurs in Kenya alone secured more than $600 million in start-up capital across green energy, agri-tech and logistics — sectors that will be pivotal in addressing Africa’s waste problem.

If used clothing is the problem, why not prohibit it altogether? The answer is that countries tried. In 2016, a group of East African countries joined forces to ban imports of secondhand clothing. In retaliation, the Trump administration threatened to remove the countries from the program that is at the core of U.S.-Africa trade policy if they followed through. No surprise that a lobby group representing used clothing sorters backed the move . The only country that stood firm was Rwanda and, to this day, its duty-free apparel benefits under AGOA remain suspended.

As the African Growth and Opportunity Act approaches its 25th anniversary, now is the time to ensure that its reauthorization upholds its original intent: Reduce trade barriers and foster economic development in sub-Saharan Africa, not stifle it. That starts with addressing textile waste.

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Rams help battle absenteeism by donating washers and dryers to LAUSD schools

T he Los Angeles Rams spent Friday morning creating a memorable experience for young students in Watts. It included free shopping for new clothes and playing on the field.

It is part of a partnership to combat chronic student absenteeism, which is when a student misses 10% or more of instructional days.

According to California Department of Education data , in 2023 chronic absenteeism impacted 31% of Los Angeles Unified School District students. It did decline nearly 8.8%.

One of the contributing factors may simply be laundry and clothing challenges.

"When we talk about chronic absenteeism, students aren't coming to school because they don't have clean clothing," said Noel Grigsby, associate manager of social justice and football development with the Rams.

The Rams and Pacsun will donate $2 million worth of clothing to under-resourced schools in L.A. County as a continuation of their "Geared for Greatness" initiative. They are now launching "Loads of Love" along with nonprofit Think Watts Foundation by donating a washer and dryer to 20 under-resourced schools.

"You may think that bringing a washer and dryer to 20 schools across our community may not be a big thing, until you realize many kids don't necessarily have the clothing, and when they have it, they don't have a place where their parents can wash it," said LAUSD superintendent Alberto Carvalho.

One of the schools is 112th Street STEAM Academy.

"I'm gonna say about 90% of my students come from the Nickerson Gardens housing projects. There is a low social and economic population that comes to our school," said school principal Jose Hernandez.

"It feels like I'm in a dream," said one student about the experience.

Students also got to meet and play with Rams running back Kyren Williams.

"Just having these events like that shows you, shows the love that people have for the community that these kids live in," said Williams.

Hernandez said the school plans to provide access to the washer and dryer through the school's parent center.

Melinda French Gates to donate $1 billion over next 2 years in support of women’s rights

(AP) - Melinda French Gates says she will be donating $1 billion over the next two years to individuals and organizations working on behalf of women and families globally, including on reproductive rights in the United States.

French Gates earlier this month announced she would step down from the  Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation , and vowed to focus on  women and families .

French Gates, one of the biggest philanthropic supporters of gender equity in the U.S., said Tuesday in a guest essay for The New York Times that she’s been frustrated over the years by people who say it’s not the right time to talk about gender equality.

“Decades of research on economics, well-being and governance make it clear that investing in women and girls benefits everyone,” she wrote.

French Gates touched upon the high maternal mortality rates in the U.S., noting that Black and Native American mothers are at the highest risk.

“Women in 14 states have lost the right to terminate a pregnancy under almost any circumstances. We remain the only advanced economy without any form of national paid family leave. And the number of teenage girls experiencing suicidal thoughts and persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness is at a decade high,” she said.

French Gates said over the last few weeks she’s started directing new grants through her organization, Pivotal Ventures, to groups working in the U.S. to protect women’s rights and advance their power and influence. The groups include the National Women’s Law Center, the National Domestic Workers Alliance and the Center for Reproductive Rights.

French Gates’ Pivotal Ventures is a limited liability company that also manages investments for profit ventures, so there is little public information about its grantmaking or the assets it manages. Pivotal Ventures has focused on a number of avenues to increase women’s economic and political participation and power, like closing the wage gap, compensating care work often done by women and encouraging women to run for political office.

Looking ahead, French Gates plans to introduce a $250 million initiative in the fall that will concentrate on improving the mental and physical health of women and girls worldwide.

French Gates will be leaving the  Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation  next week. She helped co-found the organization nearly 25 years ago.

The Associated Press receives financial support for news coverage in Africa from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and for news coverage of women in the workforce and state governments from Pivotal Ventures.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will change its name to the Gates Foundation. It is one of the largest philanthropic organizations in the world. As of December 2023, its endowment was $75.2 billion, thanks to donations from Gates and the billionaire investor Warren Buffett. While it works across many issues, global health remains its largest area of work, and most of its funding is meant to address issues internationally rather than in the U.S.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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Here's how you can help Greenfield Iowa recover from Tuesday's tornado

Unimaginable damage is how the Adair County Sheriff's Department described the result of the tornado that hit Greenfield, Iowa, Tuesday evening . The city is collecting monetary donations and looking for equipment to help aid in the town's recovery.

Multiple fatalities and at least a dozen injuries have been reported in Greenfield. An initial survey by the National Weather Service showed at least EF3 damage in the town . Damage is widespread in the town of about 2,000 people.

Volunteers access is limited in Greenfield, Iowa after tornado

Volunteers were welcomed into Greenfield for the first time on Thursday. A posting by the Adair and Guthrie County Emergency Management Agency said access to the town was still limited.

Volunteers are asked to check-in at the Iowa DOT maintenance garage at 2313 Iowa Highway 92 in Greenfield.

Where to find health care with Adair County Health System's hospital closed?

If you are in Greenfield and experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. Do not go to the Adair County Health System looking for emergency care.

The system has established a 24/7 urgent care clinic at Nodaway Valley Elementary School, 324 Northwest Second St. in Greenfield. Primary care services are available at the school as of Thursday.

The ACHS Stuart Clinic, 303 Southwest Seventh Street, is also accepting walk-in patients for minor injuries.

What to do if someone is missing, injured or in need of shelter after Greenfield tornado

Call 712-732-1314 if you or someone you know is injured, missing or in need of shelter.

Adventureland hosts drop-off to donate supplies for Greenfield tornado recovery

Those in Des Moines wanting to donate supplies to Greenfield, Iowa tornado victims, can bring their donations to Adventureland resort from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. through May 27.

Adventureland is coordinating with the Greater Greenfield Community Foundation to distribute the supplies. Look for the Spectators Sports Bar & Grill truck outside of Adventureland Inn, 3200 Adventureland Drive, Altoona.

Items that have been requested include:

• Building supplies (plywood, plastic totes, Brute 55-gallon trash bags, work gloves, shovels, roofing nails)
• Flashlights
• Lawn chairs
• Basic tools

What items do Greenfield residents need?

The Adair County Free Press posted a list of requested items by Greenfield residents Wednesday. Any of the following items can be brought to the Creston News Advertiser office at 503 W. Adams St. in nearby Creston.

Here are items Greenfield residents requested in the aftermath of the tornado:

• Plastic storage bags
• Permanent markers
• Packing tape
• Disinfecting wipes
• Working gloves
• First aid kits
• Batteries of all sizes
• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Baby formula
• Non-perishable baby food
• Clothing items ( see post for specific size requests )

Access to Greenfield, Iowa is limited after tornado

The Adair Sheriff's Department said in a Facebook post in the early hours of Wednesday morning that access to Greenfield must be limited to ensure aid can enter the town. Anyone trying to enter the town must provide identification and nonresidents may be turned away.

"In speaking with those who responded to the tornado that struck towns in western Iowa earlier this spring, these steps are needed to prevent a tremendous amount of nonessential people from slowing down the progress of those who are essential to clean up, especially utility crews trying to restore power to the city," according to the Facebook post.

There are state troopers at most entrances to Greenfield. The emergency proclmation also imposes a curfew for the city between 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. After those hours, you will need identification to prove you are essential help.

More: Where is Greenfield, Iowa? Here's what we know about the deadly tornado

How to get credentialed to enter Greenfield, Iowa following tornado

Before you can help on the grounds in Greenfield, you must be credentialed to easily enter city limits, according to the Adair Sheriff's Office.

Visit the Iowa DOT Maintenance shed at 2313 State Highway 92, just east of Greenfield, for credentialing. The process began at 9 a.m. Wednesday. A large red Hy-Vee semi-trailer is expected to be the hub for credentialing, according to the Adair County Sheriff's Department.

Once you approach a checkpoint, you will need identification showing a Greenfield address or a specific location you are going to help. Be prepared to call someone at the address to verify where you are going, according to the Adair County Sheriff's Office.

Updates: Tornado, storm damage still being felt in Iowa as clean up begins

How to volunteer to help Greenfield?

The Adair County Sheriff's Office asked anyone willing to lend manpower or equipment for cleanup efforts to comment their contact information on a Facebook post made by the department on Tuesday. The department asked that volunteers refrain from calling the dispatch number because lines are busy.

Anyone who doesn't want their direct number on the Facebook post can directly message the sheriff's office Facebook page, according to the post.

Where is the community shelter in Greenfield?

There is a community shelter in Greenfield at the Nodaway Valley Community High School at 410 NW. 2nd St. The American Red Cross sent a trailer of supplies including water and blankets Tuesday evening.

Iowa's American Red Cross Division posted to their Facebook that the agency is actively working with local emergency management in impacted areas from the severe weather on Tuesday. The American Red Cross is supporting the independent community shelter, according to the social media post.

The aid organization is still assessing the needs of the community to determine how to help.

How to make donations to Greenfield, Iowa tornado recovery

FNB Bank and Union State Bank , two local banks in Greenfield, are accepting monetary donations for tornado damage from Tuesday.

Donations can also be made to Greenfield's foundation at greenfieldiafoundation.org.

The Red Cross is also accepting donations at redcross.org/ia .

Fundraisers are also popping up on GoFundMe. The online platform is vetting fundraisers to prevent fraud and adding verified fundraisers to a centralized hub. Look for the "Torando Relief in the Midwest" link on the company's homepage.

Who to contact for assistance from severe weather in Iowa?

The Red Cross has a hotline for anyone in need of assistance from the severe weather, according to the organization's Facebook post.

You can call 1-800-RED-CROSS or 1-800-733-2767.

"We will continue to prove comfort and support to our fellow Iowans in the coming days and weeks," the Red Cross Facebook post stated.

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at  [email protected]  or follow her on Twitter at @ Kkealey17 .

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New York Today

Joy for a migrant family with a wedding in the park.

A couple from Ecuador were married with the help of a nonprofit that aids migrants. They were joined by their 7-year-old son.

By James Barron

Good morning. It’s Thursday. We’ll meet a couple who arrived in New York City as migrants from Ecuador a couple of months ago — and were married on Wednesday. We’ll also find out why a beach that has been closed on Sunday mornings since shortly after the Civil War is now opening.

There was the moment when the officiant asked if the bridal couple was ready. “Nervous but ready,” the bridegroom, José Luis Zambrano Sanchez, replied.

There was the moment during the exchange of vows when the soft, happy voice of the bride, Jennifer Elizabeth Troncoso Rodriguez, was almost drowned out by a helicopter overhead.

And — finally — there was the moment when the officiant, Val Coleman, said, “You may seal your marriage with a kiss.”

The wedding on Wednesday, in Carl Schurz Park on the Upper East Side, was another step in an eventful year for the couple who arrived in New York City a couple of months ago with their 7-year-old son, Elian — migrants who had fled the spiraling violence in Ecuador. Elian stood between them during the ceremony, his smile showing where baby teeth had come out and permanent teeth had not quite come in. They have been living in a hotel on West 57th Street where the city is housing migrant families.

Troncoso’s wedding dress came from a nonprofit that provides free clothing for migrants, the Little Shop of Kindness . So did the rings that they exchanged. Ilze Thielmann, the director of the group that runs the store, Team TLC NYC, said that Troncoso already had the marriage license in hand when she stopped by last week, asking about a dress. “We said you can’t just walk in and get married, you have to plan it,” Thielmann said. “Not months of planning, but some.”

So Team TLC NYC took on the planning. Coleman, the assistant director, is licensed by New York State as an officiant. Thielmann took care of the flowers. Barbara Nonas, a volunteer, pinned a boutonniere on Elian, while Troncoso pinned one on her husband-to-be.

The wedding came as the city began a new push to evict migrants from the shelter system. The first wave will affect single adult migrants who were given 30-day notices in April, as the city moved toward time limits on shelter stays.

The new rules will eventually apply to all 15,000 adult migrants who are being housed at city expense. For now, the new rules are being phased in on a rolling basis. Only about 250 migrants will be affected this week, and it is unclear how many of them might be given extensions.

Team TLC NYC began meeting migrants on buses arriving in New York in 2019 — “people who were going to join family members or someone who would take care of them,” Thielmann said. “All we were doing was helping them along the way, buying a hot meal, providing diapers for babies, assisting them in the journey.”

The group’s work changed in 2022, when Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas began sending busloads of migrants to the city. Thielmann, who said she did not draw a salary as the group’s director, said that she put more than $50,000 in expenses on her personal credit card to purchase food as well as bus and airplane tickets. (She said that she was eventually reimbursed with funding from the United Way of New York City and Save the Children, along with private donations.)

The group not only greeted migrants at the Port Authority Midtown Bus Terminal but began collecting clothing to give to new arrivals. Team TLC NYC left the terminal last year and moved the clothing distribution operation to a storefront near Bryant Park. Thielmann said that the lines in front of the store often formed during the night, long before the doors opened.

But after six months and the collapse of a leaky ceiling, Thielmann found herself shopping for another home. She found space in a building owned by a Presbyterian church on the Upper East Side.

“We try to bring back normalcy for people,” Thielmann said. “We have costume jewelry and sunglasses and dresses for special occasions, if they want to go to a christening or a prom or a wedding. It’s not as important as making sure you have warm clothes when it’s cold, but it’s still important.”

Zambrano, 36, said that he and Troncoso, 30, had been together for 16 years. He was a public health employee in Ecuador, working on vaccination campaigns in rural villages, but “the violence was out of control,” he said.

He said they had left Ecuador, thinking they might not survive — but that staying in Ecuador was no less dangerous. His biggest fear on the way to the United States was that they would be kidnapped. A close friend was, he said.

He said that New York was “really hard in the beginning” because they arrived with no clothes, no money and no support network. Lately he has been taking a safety course for would-be construction workers.

He smiled, his eyes dancing in the direction of Troncoso, and said that he had a good feeling about how things were going.

Expect showers and possibly a thunderstorm with temperatures in the mid-80s. At night, expect the thunderstorms to continue and the temperatures drop to the mid-60s.

ALTERNATE-SIDE PARKING

In effect until May 27 (Memorial Day).

The latest Metro news

Solving for x : Top students can benefit greatly by being offered algebra early. But many districts offer few Black and Latino eighth graders a chance to study it.

At odds at City Hall : The City Council speaker, Adrienne Adams, was expected to set in motion a plan to weaken Mayor Eric Adams’s authority. He quickly fought back.

An auctioneer dies : David Redden brought a P.T. Barnum-like showmanship to Sotheby’s, where the items he sold included the world’s most expensive postage stamp, the first book printed in English in the New World and an upright piano seen in “Casablanca.” He was 75 .

The Trump trial : As early as next week, after listening to weeks of lurid testimony and scrutinizing dozens of pages of financial documents, the jury in Donald Trump’s hush-money trial will begin deliberating. Here are five takeaways .

Chinese billionaire’s fraud trial : Charged with defrauding thousands of investors in the U.S. and overseas of more than $1 billion, Guo Wengui could face decades in prison.

Nadine Menendez’s $23,568 mortgage payoff : Senator Robert Menendez’s soon-to-be wife dropped a lot of names during a 2019 meeting with a lawyer, who later paid off the delinquent mortgage on her New Jersey home, saving it from foreclosure.

A beach opens for the first time in 155 years

For the first time since Ulysses S. Grant was president 155 years ago, the beach in Ocean Grove, N.J., will be open on Sunday morning.

The conservative Christian nonprofit that controls the property is departing from its longstanding Sunday-morning closing policy but intends to challenge the state order that forced the change.

Ocean Grove, about 60 miles from Manhattan, describes itself as “God’s Square Mile.” The Christian flag, a red cross on a white banner, flies under an American flag by the beach. Two crosses stand in the dunes, and there is a pier in the shape of a cross.

There is also a long history of hosting Methodist camp meetings in Ocean Grove.

Last summer, dozens of people gathered on the beach on Sunday mornings to protest religiously motivated restrictions imposed by the nonprofit, the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association. In October, New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection threatened the association with fines of up to $25,000 a day if the beach were not opened to the public.

The association has applied for an emergency order that would allow the beach to remain off limits to visitors before noon on Sundays. The association called the beach closing a way to “honor God — a core pillar of this community,” but said in a statement that it would comply with the agency’s directive to open the beach. The association also said it would provide lifeguards on Sunday mornings.

A conference for lawyers to meet and discuss the case has been scheduled for Sept. 4, two days after Labor Day and the end of the peak beach season on the Jersey Shore.

METROPOLITAN diary

Long-distance call

Dear Diary:

Boarding an M7 bus, I noticed that there were no empty seats. A young man waved to me and offered me his.

“Thank you,” I said. “Tell your mom she did a good job.”

“I will,” he answered, “but it will have to be at a seance.”

— Arthur Flug

Illustrated by Agnes Lee. Send submissions here and read more Metropolitan Diary here .

Glad we could get together here. See you tomorrow. — J.B.

P.S. Here’s today’s Mini Crossword and Spelling Bee . You can find all our puzzles here .

Hannah Fidelman and Ed Shanahan contributed to New York Today. You can reach the team at [email protected] .

Sign up here to get this newsletter in your inbox.

James Barron writes the New York Today newsletter, a morning roundup of what’s happening in the city. More about James Barron