Kent State University
IN-47: Innovation A

Fabric Scrap Recycling

Kent State University Fashion School, is consistently rated among the best fashion institutions in the U.S. and is a worldwide leader in the industry. The Fashion School began recycling fabric scraps and thread in January 2018. While unwanted clothing can be donated for reuse, Kent State sought a solution for recycling fabric scraps and threads. This program is a collaboration between Kent State Fashion School, Office of Sustainability and Ohio Mills Corporation. The Fashion School wanted to keep fabric scraps out of the landfill and professors and students collect scraps to be recycled in their classrooms. The Office of Sustainability provided the Fashion School with research, logistics help, and fabric scrap recycling design. Working with a local vendor in Northeast Ohio, Kent State University was able to implement fabric scrap recycling at the School of Fashion. Ohio Mills Corporation collects fabric and thread for recycling at the Kent State University Fashion School about once a week. Professors and students at the Kent State University Fashion School empty fabric scrap bins into the outdoor fabric scrap collection container. Since January 2018- September 2019, 8,880 pounds of fabric scraps have been recycled. From June 1, 2018 - August 1, 2019 Kent State University recycled 1,440 pounds of fabric scraps.

LOGISTICS
40 slimjim fabric scrap collection bins at $1965.30 total were purchased by Facilities Planning and Operations and the Fashion School. Fourty fabric Scrap recycling signs designed by the Office of Sustainability were purchased from Riot Creative Imaging for a total of $335.20 by the Fashion School. Fashion School Professors work with their students and classes on education, awareness, and emptying fabric scrap bins into the outdoor pick-up container.

FABRIC SCRAP DONATION TO LOCAL NON-PROFIT
The Fashion School also donates fabric scraps to local non-profit, Socially Responsible Sweatshop of Kent, Ohio. The Socially Responsible Sweatshop of Kent, Ohio is committed to repurposing landfill-destined textiles into useful, beautiful items. These items are lovingly crafted and priced affordably. Proceeds from the sales of these items are donated to provide extra funds for food-insecure community members and other social justice projects. The volunteers of the SRS strive to be helpful to our brothers and sisters while demonstrating our responsibly stewardship of our Earth and the protection of its environment. The Fashion School and the Socially Responsible Sweatshop of Ohio coordinate pick-ups of fabric scraps from the fabric recycling bins. http://sociallyresponsiblesweatshopohio.org/

Fabric Scrap Recycling
Fashion School Fabric Scrap Display Pilot: https://www.kent.edu/sustainability/news/kent-state-marks-campus-sustainability-month-e-inside-september-28-2017