Used, Vintage, Retro, Second-Hand: What’s the Difference?
What’s the difference between vintage clothing and second-hand clothing? And antique, is that also a thing? In the clothing and garment industry, these terms have distinct differences. They all fall under a general umbrella of “used” clothing, in that they are not “new” but have been “previously owned” and indeed probably “worn” to one degree […]
Book Recycling: Giving Old Books New Life
Even in the digital age, there is still something about holding a book in your hands and turning pages that excites the senses and encourages a love for reading. In the United States, an estimated 2 billion books are published each year which means that a large number of trees are getting cut down to […]
Can We Solve the Crisis of Stuff?
How much do North Americans waste? According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the annual average of waste per US citizen amounts to nearly 70 pounds of clothing and textiles. These numbers jump tremendously when considering that worldwide, over 80 billion garments are produced annually. In the US, the nation’s municipal waste stream occupies […]
Textile Recycling 101: All You Need To Know About How to Divert More Material from Landfills
The process of textile recycling continues to garner attention worldwide — particularly among those who are interested in impacting the environment in a positive way. In many places across the world, consumers swap clothing, shoes and fabrics that are in good condition, others donate or sell what they are no longer using to someone who […]
Tips for Managing Relationships With Buyers
Looking to get better, more productive relationships with buyers? Want to get more buyers interested in your credential clothing, mixed rags or other used products? Want to increase sales overall, with more repeat business? Here are some tips that will help position you better in your process with buyers, increasing your return on investment […]
Sourcing and Selling Credential Clothing and Mixed Rags with Bank & Vogue
As a for-profit thrift retailer, non-profit charity, or international recycled clothing retailer; you face unique challenges to businesses. For those operating thrift store or clothing charities in North America, finding a home for clothes you cannot cost-effectively process is a major struggle. For those selling recycled clothing internationally, a reliable source for product is a […]
Start the New Year Off Green!
The beginning of the New Year is the perfect time to reflect and look to the year ahead. This year, why not make the decision to not buy new clothing for a year? The fashion industry is one of the largest sources of the waste that is piling up in our landfills. For instance, a […]
If Recycling Nylon is So Good for the Planet…Why Don’t More Companies Do It?
If you were to collect all the debris in the ocean, about 10% of it would be nylon. Nylon is a synthetic fibre made of polymers that don’t break down easily. Nylon is commonly used in fishing nets, which are often discarded carelessly. According to the World Society for the Protection of Animals, more than […]
Take an Eco-Vacation this Winter
Winter is a popular time for many Canadians to head for white sand beaches and palm trees. However vacations can have harmful impacts on the environment, local economies, and cultures. But travel can be more than simply visiting scenic areas, buying souvenirs, and taking pictures. When done right, vacation can be an opportunity for positive […]
Nike Creates from Recycled Materials
Climate change is a serious issue that requires global solutions, and many companies are on the right track in seeking change. Among them is athletic wear giant Nike, who is using sustainability as a benchmark for success. Since athletes are the brand’s main customer base, Nike is especially aware of the impact of climate change […]
