With the fashion industry generating millions of new items each year, many clothing items and textiles end up in landfills, often in under-developed countries. Green In You aims to connect clothing brands with consumers to reduce the amount of non-rewearable textiles that end up in landfills. “Green In You looks to provide a take-back program on behalf of clothing brands,” says Tanisha, “so that streamlined collections from consumers can be sent forward for responsible textile waste management.”
Tanisha helped design the take-back program in coordination with the Region of Waterloo. One of the challenges they faced was how to incent consumers to participate in this sustainable disposal of textiles. “To successfully onboard consumers onto the take-back program, the start-up could provide a one-tap, quick paced solution, and provide rewards that recognize consumers’ contributions to sustainability in the fashion industry,” said Tanisha.
The startup still faces challenges beyond the take-back part of the program, such as finding a market interested in purchasing their collected textiles apart from importers in developing countries. However, Tanisha is confident this idea will revolutionize how used textiles are handed to promote sustainability. “Green in You’s pilot project will most certainly be telling of many deep and valuable insights, said Tanisha. “However, with sustainability increasing in importance, I am confident many will see the valuable contributions Green In You is making to reduce textile waste.”
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