Have I been living under a rock? Maybe I just online shop too much, but I recently found myself at the checkout line at H&M when I saw a large sign that said something along the lines of “bring back your unwanted clothes and receive 15% off your next purchase”. Apparently this program was launched in 2013, so I have been clueless for 5 years. You can read more about their sustainability initiatives here.
H&M states that more than 55,000 tons of garments have been recycled globally since the program started. You can bring in any clothes, from any brand, in any condition – and they will take it. And you simply need to donate as little as 3 articles of clothing per bag in order to get the 15% off voucher to use on your next purchase. H&M is one of my all-time go-to stores for children’s clothes, so these 15% off coupons that also stack on top of sale items will definitely come in handy in the future.
And if you’re curious what happens to the clothing and textiles you donate, H&M says that once the textiles are collected, they sort them into three categories: rewear, reuse, or recycle. So some are sold as second hand clothing, some are reused by being converted to other products, and some are turned into textile fibers. Their ultimate goal is to be able to recycle all clothing waste. They are seeking innovative new ways to create clothes out of 100% recycled material, so that they are able to minimize “the risks of fashion going to landfills”.
My children outgrow their clothes so fast that I constantly have a pile of clothing set aside that is either ready to be handed down, sold, donated, or tossed depending on their condition. I’m so glad I’ve found another alternative for clothes that are too worn or stained to be passed down or sold. As if I need another reason to shop at H&M – one of my favorite children’s stores for their affordable and stylish clothing.
Have you tried H&M’s recycling program before?
pomegranate / 3858 posts
I do use it, but just be aware, they may not be recycling the clothes exactly in the way they say they are…
http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/clothes-recycling-marketplace-1.4493490
pear / 1648 posts
I recently saw that Hanna Andersson does something similar at certain times but donates the used clothing to local organizations, I believe. We didn’t participate but I think they were offering 15% off.
grapefruit / 4278 posts
I was researching this last year and found that there are other companies that have collection bins in neighborhoods, like the kind you see at gas stations, and reuse the clothing or recycle it if it is not in wearable condition. I was really excited to see there were lots of options for not just throwing out all those holey clothes!
This company has collection boxes across several states if anyone wants to search their area:
http://www.usagain.com/about-us
“Items are then sorted, baled and sent for resale in the U.S. or abroad, diverting textile waste from landfills and stimulating local economies. Items deemed to be non-reusable are sent to be reused in other products (e.g. furniture stuffing, home insulation, new textiles, and padding).”
persimmon / 1381 posts
I didn’t know this! Thanks for letting us know!
guest
There are lots of options to recycle textiles. In my community, the salvation army store, the rescue mission store, and some local organizations all do it.
guest
how funny that i stumbled upon this post for my research project for marketing on h&m and how to improve marketing on their conscious action of recylcing. This just justified my whole argument that more advertising and marketing needs to be put in place for people who would love to particpate like most of us to be able to give back to our enviorment plus recieving 15% off a purchase as a reward for our goodwill. So glad I found this blog post