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<p>In the first round of our recycling programs, we have successfully collected more than 900 pieces of clothes.&nbsp;</p><p>Our recycling boxes has been put in New Canaan Raquect Club from Jan 3 to Feb 28, 2024. We not only collected used clothes there, also received more than 30 pairs of shoes.&nbsp;</p><figure id="figure-c75pfstlsnlwyfeuwj"><img id="c75pfstlsnlwyfeuwj" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/37Bwel4woLAHZoC86cb0e566ZQXBgKlIu5i7z8bjqIjRBjOab3aAlheAycEUhWRH.jpg" alt="recycling box in NCRC" title="recycling box in NCRC" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/37Bwel4woLAHZoC86cb0e566ZQXBgKlIu5i7z8bjqIjRBjOab3aAlheAycEUhWRH.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>We put our recycling box in <a href="mailto:YMCA@New" data-mce-href="mailto:YMCA@New">YMCA@New</a> Canaan in the whole March of 2024, because there are too many donated items, every other day we went to Y to empty the box. What a nice community of New Canaan is!</p><figure id="figure-9ih8k6h8yllwyffxza"><img id="9ih8k6h8yllwyffxza" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/10AbTAWdb22V2gDaV6u36Cs8FqgF4Xb3UWfMRNjIWo6tzbpd4EPUyRoVN2mBCieA.jpg" alt="recycling box in YMCA" title="recycling box in YMCA" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/10AbTAWdb22V2gDaV6u36Cs8FqgF4Xb3UWfMRNjIWo6tzbpd4EPUyRoVN2mBCieA.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>

Thank you for all supports from New Canaan Community

<h2>Sorting: The First Step in Clothes Recycling</h2><p>When clothes arrive at our recycling facility, the first step is sorting. We separate items based on their type, material, and condition. This helps us decide the best way to recycle each piece.</p><p>We have trained staff who manually sort through the clothes. They look for items that are still wearable and those that are not. Wearable clothes are set aside for donation, while non-wearable items move on to the next stage.</p><figure id="figure-t5pz445ziplwz2p5hh"><img id="t5pz445ziplwz2p5hh" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/17jAsxtlxzMzuNuYthhXmfJrkpEN2330mh5Tru2dCuNqlxl2KGkDdG8p7Q9qiCl8.jpg" alt="clothes sorting" title="clothes sorting" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/17jAsxtlxzMzuNuYthhXmfJrkpEN2330mh5Tru2dCuNqlxl2KGkDdG8p7Q9qiCl8.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Why Sorting Matters</h3><p>Sorting is crucial because it ensures that each item is treated appropriately. Proper sorting helps us maximize the life of wearable clothes and find the best recycling method for non-wearable items. This step reduces waste and supports our mission of helping those in need.</p><h2>Washing: Preparing Clothes for Their Next Life</h2><p>After sorting, the next step is washing. We wash all donated clothes to ensure they are clean and safe for their next use. Clean clothes are more appealing to those who receive them, and it helps maintain hygiene standards.</p><figure id="figure-tyqje3rtalwz2p8lh"><img id="tyqje3rtalwz2p8lh" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/0zBA8B28GB4WTRojQrPZguPkFUm0B5S1zKvDTYysDh5hNUVe7R5SdMW5MBHC761W.jpg" alt="clothes washing" title="clothes washing" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/0zBA8B28GB4WTRojQrPZguPkFUm0B5S1zKvDTYysDh5hNUVe7R5SdMW5MBHC761W.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>&lt;h</p><p>We use different washing techniques based on the material of the clothes. For delicate fabrics, we use gentle cycles and mild detergents. For more durable items, we use stronger washing methods to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned.</p><h3>Eco-Friendly Practices</h3><p>Our washing process is designed to be eco-friendly. We use energy-efficient machines and biodegradable detergents. This helps us minimize our environmental impact while ensuring the clothes are clean and ready for use.</p><figure id="figure-h8yxbqt3rlwz2pb2e"><img id="h8yxbqt3rlwz2pb2e" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/22FQi32si4OaMZuSDndrbFrT20Z8eYFFaFFypPiVerj00sfZv0BMNv79nQbhB3XK.jpg" alt="Drying the clothes" title="Drying the clothes" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/22FQi32si4OaMZuSDndrbFrT20Z8eYFFaFFypPiVerj00sfZv0BMNv79nQbhB3XK.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>the clothes are washed, they go through a final quality check. We look for any remaining stains, tears, or issues that need fixing. If an item passes this check, it is ready for distribution.</p><p>We distribute wearable clothes to various charities and organizations. These groups help get the clothes to people who need them most. Non-wearable items are sent to specialized recycling facilities where they are turned into new products.</p><h3>The Impact of Your Donations</h3><p>Your donations make a big difference. By recycling clothes, you help reduce waste and support those in need. Each item you donate goes through a careful process to ensure it is used in the best possible way.</p><figure id="figure-u8xjft7jb2lwz2pe5p"><img id="u8xjft7jb2lwz2pe5p" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/8Z8zF7EgGmRw7obE5qVgiTMOefDAqzUEYMfLCAnYfp3p4O75mbgyTK9naUTh6Yfc.jpg" alt="ready for packing" title="ready for packing" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="null" data-positionY="null" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><p><br></p>

The Journey of Recycled Clothes: Sorting and Washing Explained

<p>Thank you for the support from my family, my dad went back to China for business. He helped us carry back 6000 pieces of plastics bags, various sizes. We will use these bags to pack the clothes we collected.&nbsp;</p><p>Due to very limited budget, we have to choose the suppliers for the packing bags carefully. In America, we cannot afford the high cost, that is why I looked for suitable sellers (suppliers) from China. I used Jingdong.com, Taobao.com. Finally I successfully found some and get sufficient plastics bags. Tons of thanks for my dad, he used 3 luggages to take these bags back home from Beijing! And he &nbsp;ensured that the bags arrive in perfect condition in this way.</p><figure id="figure-s28axt2wrelwz3aljs"><img id="s28axt2wrelwz3aljs" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/32okENZvuauFpL6VUfaGFn4PclL6eYgJXX9fOeTtDKWAEGymGkELQoRJ464yBpGg.jpg" alt="the bags arrived" title="the bags arrived" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="null" data-positionY="null" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><p><br></p>

Ensuring Quality: How We Handle Packing Bags from China

<p>Thank you for the support from all staffs in <a href="mailto:YMCA@New" data-mce-href="mailto:YMCA@New">YMCA@New</a> Canaan, we put our recycling box in Y from March 2, 2024.&nbsp;</p><p>It is amazing and very encouraging that we got so many donated clothes within one week!</p><figure id="figure-bn333yf54elwyfnywx"><img id="bn333yf54elwyfnywx" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3a7iBaSVn0xi1rezNpiGtyn5tD736Z4M3CoP14z4aTiZ1t5BZrdSoA6SoKGj7fUE.jpg" alt="Tidy minimal interior" title="Tidy minimal interior" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3a7iBaSVn0xi1rezNpiGtyn5tD736Z4M3CoP14z4aTiZ1t5BZrdSoA6SoKGj7fUE.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>

First week achievement in YMCA@ New Canaan

<h2>The Idea Takes Root</h2><p>Our clothes recycling initiative began with a simple idea. We wanted to help people in need while reducing waste. It was a small team of like-minded individuals who came together. We shared a common goal: to make a difference.</p><p>We started by researching the impact of textile waste. We found that millions of tons of clothes end up in landfills each year. This was a problem we could not ignore. We decided to take action.</p><figure id="figure-dqexdwqxhdlwz2c16r"><img id="dqexdwqxhdlwz2c16r" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/em0wYDfhzHZOOtUXJglCct5uuIH8htpug8U0oGn91BYX6ZZhzz62zIzYVcuiz8jH.png" alt="textiles waste in America" title="textiles waste in America" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionX="null" data-positionY="null" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><p>out to friends, family, and local communities. People were eager to help. They donated clothes, time, and resources. Our team grew, and so did our ambition.</p><p>We partnered with local charities. They helped us distribute the clothes to those in need. This collaboration was key to our success. Together, we could reach more people and make a bigger impact.</p><h3>Setting Up Collection Points</h3><p>Next, we set up collection points. We placed bins in convenient locations around the city. People could easily drop off their unwanted clothes. This made it simple for everyone to contribute.</p><figure id="figure-7wkk5xm7aplwz2c3kp"><img id="7wkk5xm7aplwz2c3kp" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/37bFHE5aM5nUI3Y3qvzQzckTvF2ZFt9IdEWwPZdiYoIxFeXMRaJijV38efGxWQtB.png" alt="textiles waste in America" title="textiles waste in America" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/37bFHE5aM5nUI3Y3qvzQzckTvF2ZFt9IdEWwPZdiYoIxFeXMRaJijV38efGxWQtB.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Sorting and Distribution</h3><p>Once we collected the clothes, we sorted them. We checked for quality and categorized them by type. This process ensured that only good-quality items were distributed.</p><p>Our team then worked with charities to distribute the clothes. We focused on shelters, community centers, and schools. These places had the most need. We made sure the clothes reached those who could benefit the most.</p><figure id="figure-u0w28g2ev9lwz2c5pc"><img id="u0w28g2ev9lwz2c5pc" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1504198458649-3128b932f49e?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxMHx8Y2xvdGhpbmclMjBkb25hdGlvbnxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MTc0MjQ3MjN8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="clothing donation" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1504198458649-3128b932f49e?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxMHx8Y2xvdGhpbmclMjBkb25hdGlvbnxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MTc0MjQ3MjN8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><p>We held workshops and events. These activities educated people on how to recycle clothes and reduce waste. The response was positive. More people joined our cause.</p><h3>Looking Ahead</h3><p>Today, our clothes recycling initiative is stronger than ever. We continue to collect and distribute clothes. Our team is dedicated to making a difference. We are proud of what we have achieved so far.</p><p>But our work is not done. We aim to reach even more people and reduce more waste. With the support of our community, we believe we can achieve these goals. Together, we can create a more sustainable future.</p>

NCHS-Grab for Goodness

Blog

Thank you for all supports from New Canaan Community

The Journey of Recycled Clothes: Sorting and Washing Expl...

Ensuring Quality: How We Handle Packing Bags from China

First week achievement in YMCA@ New Canaan

How Our Clothes Recycling Initiative Began