Plastics, aluminum, glass, and paper are well-known examples of recyclable materials. But what about textiles and clothing? Or, more precisely, uniforms? Can old uniforms be recycled?
A school uniform recycling scheme in North Shropshire has been overwhelmed by donations of school uniforms to help needy children during this cost-of-living crisis.
Tori Watson of Market Drayton Library has collaborated with Gail Ackerley of Churches to provide a location for people to pick up & drop-ff school uniforms.
Tori mentioned, “The scheme is running at a central location in town which is promoted heavily on our social media. Not only is it helping with the cost of living, but also landfill.”
Charity shops do not want used uniforms and there is little money in selling them, so the scheme works well for people who want to get rid of unwanted uniforms while also making a difference, according to Tori.
Churches Together in Market Drayton launched the scheme four years ago.
Making a difference
“In this materialistic world, we all tend to buy too much,” said Tori. New school uniforms can be expensive, specifically for families struggling to make ends meet in this economic condition.
From sweatshirts to cardigans, shirts to shoes, the recycling scheme has a wide range of items available for students.
Some of these items are branded for nearby schools, including Market Drayton Infant and nursery school – ranging in sizes from three to four to eleven to twelve.
The team currently has only primary school items available, but they are hoping to get local secondary schools on board with this scheme.
‘We have had 25 to 30 people today and a few more last time,’ Tori added. ‘We are hoping to reach 100 families and more. We have loads of stock’.
Before being re-distributed, all items are refurbished.
At this time, the team is only looking for people to pick up items because they have already received many generous donations.
Also read: Sportswear Giant PUMA Ranked Most Sustainable Brand on Business of Fashion Sustainability Index 2022
