United Nations Day, celebrated on October 24th, marks the organization's founding principles and the commitment of nations to work collaboratively towards a better world.
The United Nations set forth 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a blueprint for global progress, aiming to address pressing challenges and create a more sustainable and equitable future.
What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 interconnected goals addressing various global issues, from poverty and education to clean water and responsible consumption.
They provide a shared vision for a better world and serve as a call to action for individuals, organizations, and governments.
At the core of our mission at The Bra Recyclers is to raise awareness about the social and environmental benefits of recycling undergarments.
In our efforts to achieve this mission, we proudly align with 5 of the 17 SDGs. To show our recycling community the difference their efforts make, we want to explain how we align with the SDGs and the impact this has on our planet and its people.
SDG 1: No Poverty 🚫
At The Bra Recyclers, we align with SDG 1 by empowering underserved communities with the gift of underwear. Our bra and underwear recycling initiatives remove barriers for people experiencing hygiene poverty.
Individuals and families gain confidence, comfort, and safety from underwear, which helps create economic opportunities, break the poverty cycle, and help build more sustainable livelihoods.
SDG 4: Quality Education 📚
Through launching our non-profit, The Undie Chest, and the Everyone Deserves Underwear Program (E.D.U), we partner with school nurses and the Department of Education to identify Title 1 schools whose students fall below the poverty line.
Our philanthropic efforts through our non-profit mean we can supply underserved students with the crucial resource of underwear so they can face the school year with dignity, confidence, and self-esteem - without worrying about underwear.
According to a study conducted by Morar Consulting, having no underwear and socks to wear can make a big difference for children.
The study revealed that 55% of children who lacked these necessities didn't want to attend school and even refused to go. Although small, it can significantly impact a child's education and well-being.
This is how we align with SDG 4.
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation 🚰
The Bra Recyclers align with SDG 6 by promoting sustainability and responsible consumption. Recycling bras and underwear reduces waste and encourages responsible production, ultimately contributing to better water and sanitation practices and a cleaner environment.
This helps protect our water sources and promote sustainable water management practices.
Our vision to end hygiene poverty also promotes better sanitation practices. It reduces the risk of disease and infection for underserved communities who cannot afford or don't have access to medication.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities 👨🦽
Inequalities thrive in places of poverty and hardship.
Since our mission is to eradicate hygiene and underwear poverty, we help align with SDG 10 by laying the foundations for equal societal opportunities for those otherwise burdened by poverty, medical expenses, or unspeakable circumstances.
At The Bra Recyclers, we are proud to work with organizations like EPI-HAB and The Centers for Habilitation, who provide work opportunities for people with disabilities.
Our diverse team supports the operations and shipping logistics, which help us achieve our mission and provide purpose and opportunity to these deserving individuals.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production ♻️
Our actions significantly contribute to the environmental impact of textile production and waste, including pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
By extending the lifespan of bras and underwear, we proactively reduce the need for new production and consumption, thereby preventing further resource depletion and waste.
Our partnership with several businesses and retailers means we are helping big corporations reduce their textile waste and promote sustainability in their business.
Their customers are rewarded for recycling with them, which supports a circular economy and helps reshape the consumption and waste cycle.
Our recycling community of individuals across the U.S. propels us to make a difference and align with SDG 12.
Want to Help Make a Difference? 🙋♀️
We reaffirm our dedication to contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals on this United Nations Day.
The Bra Recyclers remain committed to positively impacting the world and its people, aligned with the vision of the United Nations for a better, more sustainable future.
Through our incredible recycling community, we can continue to align with these 5 SDGs.
Whether you're a business looking to gain your sustainability stamp or an individual who wants to make an impact - get involved today!
