The Impact of a Clothing Drive: A Win for the Environment, Community, and More

Blog post by student Ryan McCabe:Here at Catholic University, we are running a clothing drive for students, professors, and anyone willing to donate. This clothing drive will take place on Monday, March 17th and will last until Sunday, March 23rd. There will be bins placed around campus for participants to drop off clothing in. We welcome a variety of clothes in all different sizes, occasions, styles, and anything participants are looking to give a new home. The clothing will then be sorted through and brought to the basement of McMahon, in room B02. These clothes will be sorted through by The Busch School of Business’ Fashion Marketing class. Here, students will be able to shop through the donated clothes and bring them home for no cost. This on campus thrift store is open Wednesday to Friday from 12-3 every week. Campus clothing drives are more than just an easy way to declutter your closet, there are many more benefits to this simple task. A clothing drive gives us the opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment, community, and the economy. Whether or not you're donating to an on campus clothing drive, helping administrate the clothing drive, you are providing a number of benefits that extend past just giving used clothes away.

The Environmental Benefits of Clothing Drives

One of the most significant benefits of an on campus clothing drive is the direct positive impact on the environment. The fashion industry contributes to excessive waste, resource depletion, and large amounts of carbon emissions. We have the power to change that. Through donations we enhance the opportunity for reusing and recycling clothing rather than tossing them in the trash. Reduces Textile Waste:

• Each year globally there are approximately 92 million tons of textile waste
  
• Each year in the US there are approximately 11 million tons of clothes are thrown away
• Thrown away clothes end up in landfills which take years to decompose

Each year globally there are approximately 92 million tons of textile waste

Each year in the US there are approximately 11 million tons of clothes are thrown away

Thrown away clothes end up in landfills which take years to decompose

 Saves Water and Resources:

• To produce a cotton t-shirt it takes 2,700 liters of water which is enough to meet one person's drinking needs for 2.5 years

To produce a cotton t-shirt it takes 2,700 liters of water which is enough to meet one person's drinking needs for 2.5 years

 Reduces Carbon Emissions:

• The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions
• This is more carbon emissions than international flights and maritime shipping combined

The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions

This is more carbon emissions than international flights and maritime shipping combined

Supporting the Community through Clothing Drives

Although positive environmental impacts are necessary and beneficial, the support clothing drives communities is direct and can make long lasting change. Donating your clothes to those who are less fortunate within your community promotes growth and togetherness. Aid for Those in Need:

• Non-profit organizations like Goodwill collected over 4.5 billion pounds of donated goods in 2020
• Supports low income families, those experiencing homelessness, victims of natural disasters, and others who may not be fortunate enough to buy new clothes

Non-profit organizations like Goodwill collected over 4.5 billion pounds of donated goods in 2020

Supports low income families, those experiencing homelessness, victims of natural disasters, and others who may not be fortunate enough to buy new clothes

 Building a Sense of Community:

• 96% of people say they feel more connected with their community when they partake in charitable activities, such as clothing drives
• Students, Professors, and others coming together for a common good strengthens a collaborative atmosphere

96% of people say they feel more connected with their community when they partake in charitable activities, such as clothing drives

Students, Professors, and others coming together for a common good strengthens a collaborative atmosphere

Economic Impact of Clothing Drives

In addition to creating a more sustainable way to dispose of clothes and give back to our community, clothing drives also create many economic opportunities. Through clothing donations this can help boost local economies and provide cost saving opportunities for individuals. Creating Jobs and Supporting Local Businesses:

• In 2020 US thrift stores generated over $17 billion dollars in revenue
• Thrift stores supports local economies by creating jobs and providing affording clothing options for shoppers

In 2020 US thrift stores generated over $17 billion dollars in revenue

Thrift stores supports local economies by creating jobs and providing affording clothing options for shoppers

 Tax Benefits for Donors:

• Claims of up to 60% of your Adjusted Gross Income
• Donations can earn you tax deductions based on the value of the items you have donated. This can lower taxable income and reduce overall tax liability 

Claims of up to 60% of your Adjusted Gross Income

Donations can earn you tax deductions based on the value of the items you have donated. This can lower taxable income and reduce overall tax liability 

Personal Benefits of Participating in Clothing Drives

Donating at a clothing drive can help you prioritize decluttering your space by getting rid of accumulated items that you no longer need or wear. Since parting with clothing can sometimes be difficult it can relieve some emotional despair when knowing your clothing will be given to someone in need. 

Stop by your local Catholic U Clothing Drive Bin

Please consider taking advantage of our on campus clothing drive this semester. With a multitude of benefits and the ease of the process it is a community driven activity sure to help all members of our community. By your donations we can reimagine a more clean and sustainable future while fostering growth in our community all while promoting local economic growth.