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| 10 Oct 2026 | |
| Written by Ebru Turan (Bakırcı) | |
| Teachers for the Planet |
From Closet to Climate: The Impact of Textile Waste on Climate Through Reuse and Recycling
The "From Closet to Climate: The Impact of Textile Waste on Climate Through Reuse and Recycling" project is an applied environmental and educational initiative aimed at drawing attention to textile waste—a major contributor to climate change and global warming—and reducing its environmental impact by reintegrating this waste into reuse. The textile industry poses a significant risk to environmental sustainability due to its heavy water usage, high energy consumption, and carbon emissions. Allowing usable clothing and textile products to become waste leads to both the rapid depletion of natural resources and an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. This project directly targets creating a solution to this problem.
The original aspect of the project lies in the fact that textile waste is not merely limited to being sent through a recycling process; instead, it is upcycled and redesigned into functional products through sewing and design courses opened at Public Education Centers (Halk Eğitim Merkezleri). In this way, environmental awareness reaches all segments of society through a non-formal education model. Within the scope of the project, clothing and home textile products collected in textile waste bins are first sorted; items in usable condition are sterilized and repurposed, while unusable items are directed to recycling facilities.
During the implementation process, course participants produce bags, pillows, tote bags, home accessories, and redesigned garments from old and idle textile products. Throughout this process, participants are informed about sustainable consumption, waste reduction, climate change, and the circular economy. The project contributes to both enhancing the participants' practical skills and raising their awareness as environmentally conscious individuals.
As a result of the "From Closet to Climate: The Impact of Textile Waste on Climate Through Reuse and Recycling" project, the main goals are to reduce the amount of textile waste, decrease the energy and raw materials consumed for new production, lower the carbon footprint, and foster environmental consciousness across society. Furthermore, by supporting women's participation in production, this project serves as an exemplary practice that brings together environmental sustainability and social impact.
