Creating An Impact
Measuring Impact
Let's start with where the waste originates...
Textile waste happens throughout the value chain from raw materials to postconsumer waste. The Sustainery's goal is to reduce postindustrial waste by offering these perfectly usable textiles to emerging and sustainable designers.
Where Does The Waste Go?
Textile waste ultimately ends up in landfills and incinerators where it contributes to air and water pollution.
17 MILLION TONS
In 2018, over 17 million tons of textiles were added to the municipal solid waste stream in the U.S. alone.
Source: EPA
92 MILLION TONS
Globally, it's estimated that 92 million tons of textile waste is created each year.
Source: BBC Future
Image Credit: Alamy
"Disposed textiles that wind up in landfills lead to greenhouse gas emissions and toxins leaching into the surrounding soil and water."
Source: Planet Aid
How Can We Make A Difference?
Reduce. Recycle. Reuse.
At The Sustainery, we believe that measurable impact is an important way to guide us on the path to meeting our goals of reducing waste, providing partner resources for recycling of textiles and offering a platform where unused textiles can be rescued or reused.
We measure impact by pounds of textiles rescued from landfills and incinerators and funneled back into the supply chain where they can become usable goods. Individual Impact Reports of pounds rescued are provided to Sellers on an annual basis.
It's important to note, these textiles are verified as unused, unwanted and deadstock textiles resulting from overages, canceled or changed orders or other circumstances that created an excess of material.
Transforming Our World
The United Nations has outlined 17 goals to transform our world by 2030. These goals are referred to as Sustainable Development Goals and promote prosperity while protecting the planet.
The Sustainery supports Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12): Responsible Production and Consumption. And, more specifically, SDG 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.
Learn more about the 17 SDGs and what you can do to help meet them by 2030!