Environmentally Friendly Repurposewear

Environmentally Friendly Repurposewear

There will always be challenges associated with running a successful business.  Environmentally friendly businesses have the added challenge of repackaging and repurposing various items for a variety of applications.  In fashion, this challenge can be increased even further due to the ever changing nature of trends and styles.  In an attempt to gain a better understanding of the challenges repurposed and recycled products face The Environmental News Bulletin interviewed Renata Dunkle who is the owner of Repurposewear in Lakewood,Washington.

Repurposewear

The motivation to become involved in environmentally friendly products can come from many sources.  While following their passions some entrepreneurs find themselves creating environmentally friendly companies.  The owner of Repurposewear is one of these people.  Renata’s passion for clothing and fashion lead her to create Repurposewear.  Her business gives her the opportunity to keep quality clothing items from being discarded, maintain evolvement in her community, and the opportunity to utilize her talent for fashion and design.

Repurposewear

When it comes to whether Renata believes re-purposed clothing will come in vogue she simply says “fashion is a matter of attitude, not a function of what you have in your bank account.”  Renata admits that the business of retailing re-purposed or preowned clothing items “…can be a bit of a challenge”, but that the key to her store’s success is “presentation”.  Her business sense allows her to understand that customer experience is everything.  She ensures that her store is clean, well-organized, and smells pleasant.

The challenge that most established fashion companies have with large scale re-purposing may be in the fact that they have little to no experience that arena.  In other words, most companies stick to what they are familiar with.  Also, companies like Repurposewear do not have the internal politics that may prevent established brands from experimenting with new methods of manufacturing, reselling, or repurposing clothing.  This means that most of the change in our environmental and business practices will most likely have to begin at the local business level.

Repurposewear

What can be done?...

There is no perfect solution to addressing the lack of focus and attention on re-purposed clothing and accessories.  However one thing is true, to do nothing simply because large manufactures are not currently on board is foolhardy.  Only when community retail companies begin to demonstrate the profitability of their operations will the larger, shareholder controlled, organizations invest capital.  To this end, there should be a national professional re-purposing association that can certify the quality of a community store and/or its products.  Each store would be able to display this certification for customers in their store and website.  This association would thereby increase consumer confidence and therefore drive sales and community involvement.

3 Ways to Incentivize People to Recycle & Re-Use

3 Ways to Incentivize People to Recycle & Re-Use

There is no doubt that incentives drive people into action.  The most effective incentive is monetary.  For example, people are more likely to follow rules and regulations if they know they will be fined for violating them.  Also, when financial rewards are offered in connection to the capture of a criminal people are more likely to assist the authorities.  Both of those examples work because the financial incentives associated with them motivate people to act.  Similar principles can be associated with recycling and reducing waste.  

Krdan

The first method is exactly the same method that has been used with metals in the past.  Each person who is participating starts an account with a recycling company.  That company then reimburses the participating individuals based on the total weight of plastic, glass, or other material.  This transaction would be tabulated at the location where participant drops off the materials.  The money earned would go directly to the persons account. 

The second incentive is public recognition.  It should not be a surprise that people would like to be public recognized when they do something that is beneficial to the community.  At the end of the year, the person who was able to reduce their waste and/or recycle the most would be given a cash prize.  Not only would they receive recognition throughout the year but they could be financially rewarded as well. 

J. Smith

The third incentive is to support the manufacture of repurposed products for sale.  Repurposed plastic items, unlike recycled plastic, do not require melting or any significant processing.  The plastic is simply used for a different purpose or integrated into a different product.  Grand Imperial, a clothing and draw cord bag manufacturer, integrates plastic bottle caps into the construction of their bags.  Organizations like the Advertising Council (AdCouncil) could promote these products with donations from environmentally friendly groups.  This would increase public awareness and create and environment for companies who repurpose plastic to flourish. 

These simple ideas can have a lasting positive impact on the environment and the economy.  With a little effort and hard work the correct incentive can be put into place.