Gloucester High School’s National Honors Society is asking for your help to put these unused clothes to good use. The NHS will be hosting a clothing drive in the atrium through February 28th.
According to data from The Roundup, America produces 17 million tons of textile waste every year – around 112 pounds per person. Of this staggering amount, 66 percent end up in landfills, less than 15 percent is recycled, and the remaining 19 percent is burned.
“We are trying to involve our community further in the recycling and reuse of textiles, said NHS President Julia Carrancho, “by reducing textile waste, [we] benefit the individuals who struggle in Massachusetts.”
Through a collaboration with Bay State Textiles, GHS will receive money based on how many clothing donations they collect. By teaming up with communities to relocate clothes that will then be recycled, Bay State Textiles offers a solution to deal with the problem of unwanted textiles
The company exports half of their donations to developing countries, as there is a need for both clothes and shoes across the world. They have sent materials across the country, as well as 15 other countries in Europe, Africa, and Central to South America.
“It helps a ton of people and I have some clothes that I don’t really wear anymore , said Junior Billy Nixon.”They might as well go to a good use.”
Not only does the clothing drive have environmental benefits, but donors will also have the chance to win prizes.
“We have paired our drive with a raffle, where winners will be pulled at the end of the drive,” Carrancho said. “It’s goal is to further encourage our peers to donate their unwanted items.”
In order to enter the raffle, donors must add a piece of paper with their name, email, and phone number and place it inside of their clothing bag. Once the drive ends, four winners will be selected to each receive a basket of gift cards from local Cape Ann businesses.
Both students and staff are encouraged to donate clothing, footwear, bedding, towels, accessories, and more.
