How You Can Change the Cycle of Consumption and Waste This Earth Month

Earth Month is more than just a celebration—it’s a call to action. This year’s theme, Our Power, Our Planet, highlights the collective impact we have in shaping a sustainable future.

Every choice we make, from what we buy to how we dispose of our clothing, plays a role in the health of our planet. One major but often overlooked part of that equation?

The way we handle textile waste, especially when it comes to bras and underwear.

The Real Impact of Fashion Waste

The fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters out there, responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions and 20% of the world’s wastewater.

And underwear? It’s a major contributor to textile waste, with millions of discarded bras and undies ending up in landfills every year. Unlike other clothing items, they often can’t be resold secondhand—so recycling them properly is crucial.

It takes approximately 2,700 liters of water to produce a single pair of cotton underwear—the same amount one person would drink over three years.

And with synthetic textiles responsible for up to 35% of microplastic pollution in our oceans, what we do with our discarded underwear makes a bigger difference than you might think.

Why Get Involved?

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s becoming a necessity for both businesses and individuals.

For Retailers:

• Consumers are actively choosing brands that prioritize sustainability. Getting involved in a bra recycling initiative shows your commitment to the environment and attracts eco-conscious customers.

• Legislation like SB707 in California is pushing businesses toward textile recycling and waste reduction. Participating in programs now can help you stay ahead of future industry regulations and shifts.

• Have overstock or customer returns? Instead of sending them to a landfill, recycle bras and new underwear with tags to be redistributed to those in need.

• If you’re unsure whether your customers are interested in recycling, a bra drive during Earth Month is an easy way to gauge engagement without a long-term commitment.

For Individuals:

• Recycling your bras and new underwear is one of the simplest ways to reduce textile waste. It doesn’t require a lifestyle overhaul—just a quick stop at one of our many drop-off locations or send them directly to us using our recycling form.

• Small actions add up. Choosing to recycle your preloved bras and new underwear, rather than tossing them, means fewer textiles in landfills and less microplastic pollution in our oceans.

• We appreciate your efforts to recycle, which is why many of our retail partners offer recycling rewards for people who recycle with them.

Are You a Retailer?

Want to make your business part of the solution?

Join our Recycling Ambassador Program and give your customers a responsible way to recycle their bras and new underwear.

Not quite ready for that level of commitment? No problem—start with a bra or undie drive during Earth Month and see how your customers respond.

You can offer a discount on the purchase of new items when they recycle their gently used or new bras. Contact us today to learn how to get involved.

Looking for a Drop-Off Near You?

Recycling your old bras is easy. Use our map locater to find the nearest drop-off point or mail them in using our recycling form.