#reusemovement

As we seek to enlighten, educate and delight the world with our recycling programs, it is the change of seasons, and particularly the month of October, that offers a beautiful display of natural balance and sustainability.   While we seek to create a more sustainable world, nature offers up her example each year.  Take a moment to enjoy, reflect and embrace change.  

When we acquire our clothing, shoes and accessories, we have a reason, intent or desire. Some purpose served in the moment or compelled by fashion, culture or personal branding. It may not always seem like love at first sight, though it may be for some, we do care for these items in the moment, for a season or often for what seems like a lifetime. Regardless of the motivation or culture of consumption in which we live, we imbue in these items our memories, thoughts, and emotions. In many instances, these attachments are strong and define our personal fashion choices or style. We sometimes adore, fawn over, and share our items with friends, relatives and roommates. We launder, store and care for these items with particular attention and concern. These actions and intentions are real and pronounced, and they are profoundly human. Over time, these items carry parts of us and often show our feelings of attachment. These are telltale signs of prelove. Prelove is the predicate and the unique quality that makes recycling of clothing, shoes and accessories different. Prelove is a value that we as humans create. Not only the care and careful wear that shows well, but the content of memories and stories that are carried to the next person. After all, when we have determined that these articles no longer serve our needs or we have outgrown them in some fashion, reuse is by far the highest and best use for both personal and environmental reasons. By definition, the concept of reuse denotes a personal engagement or investment with a return that is enriching, smart and responsible. Often without conscious regard or intention, when we engage in reuse of clothing, shoes and accessories, we are continuing the lifecycle of an article that we ourselves selected or which was selected for us. These personal memories have an emotional currency that is unique to our belongings and to us and certainly transcend any relationship we could possibly enjoy with other recyclable. The personal connection between and among those engaged in the ReuseMovement is paramount. This is a personal and human event that creates value every time. Join the #ReuseMovement and make a difference.

We have sought to elevate recycling for reuse to the human level.  This completely novel and magical experience is made even better through the technology, the explosion of social networking, and the creative and hard work of our engaged community.  Join the #reusemovement today.  You will help tell the story of how we can changed the world of clothing recycling.

We are just now returning from Minneapolis where we were exhibiting at the 2015 AASHE Conference (Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education). This was a whirlwind of a conference, with over 2300 attendees, making this the largest show to date and the 10th anniversary of AASHE. Being among a largely young and enthusiastic group of sustainability advocates from campuses all over North America was incredibly energizing and rewarding. We were welcomed with such a warm reception and the positive feedback that we received only reinforces that we are indeed on the path to provide meaningful, effective and engaging clothing and shoe recycling solutions for the campus community. Above all, we were reminded that innovation, convenience and social action are all possible, in fact enhanced, with a socially conscious, for profit business model. Together with our recycling partners on campuses across the country, we are energized and motivated to deliver the best recycling experience. As we extend our reach to more universities and colleges across the country, we want to strengthen the sharing and engagement across these communities and to all recyclers. At CR, we are working to deliver the best practices for the reuse of clothing, shoes and accessories. Our commitment is to promote best practices, share success stories, address challenges and continue to integrate the recycling behavior into campus life. We call on our existing and prospective partners to share in this effort. Whether through webinars, videos, social media or other means, we want to assist in this dialog and continue our efforts to be part of the solution. We want to hear from you and share with others. Activation and awareness will be accelerated through these efforts. Stay tuned for more and do not hesitate to reach out with ideas and suggestions. We welcome the challenge.

#partyfortheplanet at #elmwoodpark #zoo Celebrating #earthweek and spreading the word about #shoebox recycling and the #reusemovement (at Elmwood Park Zoo)