Textiles
It is said that over 2,000 years ago, China produced
the first paper by using cotton rags. Today, light years ahead in
technology, rags and vegetable fibre by-products continue to be
used in making paper products.
Textile manufacturing by-products
are important raw materials. These are threads or fibres from
spinning, weaving and finishing plants. They are collected, graded and
baled before being delivered to manufacturers for conversion into a
wide range of new products.
Used clothing and textile by-products for recycling are sorted. Old
clothing collected from households that are still in good condition
can be resold. Cotton rags can be made into wiping cloths for use in
industry. Knitted or woven woollens and similar materials are 'pulled'
into a fibrous state for reuse by the textile industry.
Besides natural fibres, like wool, cotton, silk and linen, artificial
fibres such as rayon, are also important. Polyamides, polyesters and
acrylics are used in the manufacture of garments - all of which be
recycled. Textile recycling provides raw materials for upholstery,
mattresses filling, for wadding and other absorbent products, and for
the manufacture of felt as well as fibre from which new cloth can be
made.
FOR LINENS:
Your local SPCA, veterinarians, or other animal board and care
organization are always looking for extra linens, especially towels.
They use these items in bathing and grooming our pets. Call to see if
they have a need the next time you're cleaning out the linen closet!
FOR CLOTHES:
Several agencies collect gently used clothing--your place of worship
may have a clothes closet in case of disaster; Children's Hospital of
the Kings Daughters, Goodwill and the Salvation Army operate several
thrift stores around Hampton Roads--and you can take a tax deduction!
If making money is more your style, consider taking your better items
to a local consignment shop and earn some extra cash to help fill all
that extra space you've made in your closet! You might also contact
your local college or theatrical arts department who take donations
for upcoming performances and costumes.
LINKS:
The
Salvation Army - (Free Residential Collection Service.)
757-393-2519 Collecting: Men's, women's and children's clothes - all
sizes, all seasons. House linens including sheets, towels and drapes.
St. Columbia Services - (Must Deliver.) Collecting: Men's, women's
and children's clothes - all sizes, all seasons. Also taking gently
used shoes, belts and hats in all sizes. Collecting towels and wash
clothes for those in need.
Seton House - (Free Residential Collection Service.) Collecting:
Teenage boys and girls clothing. Bed sheets, towels and linens also
accepted. Shoes, belts, overcoats and jackets also accepted.
Related Products:
Reading Glasses
The old lenses that steer you into
walls may be the perfect gift for someone in need. Collected
eyeglasses are cleaned, repaired and measured to determine the
correction. Available glasses are cataloged in a computer database,
and matched to people with need. Many of the glasses are sent to other
countries, as laws in the USA make it difficult to re-dispense a
prescription product.
The Lions Clubs operate the largest program, collecting glasses
from thousands of opticians. Collections are often available at your
local library.
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