Ah, denim. It’s the ultimate fabric that can be worn almost every day, from work to the weekend.
When you think of denim, you probably imagine jeans. But did you know that this fabric is also used in clothing, car upholstery, and even other products? The blue jean was originally created as workwear that would hold up through everyday wear and tear.
Denim recycling can help reduce waste while supporting local artisans who are turning old clothes into new ones! Many organizations also use denim in their traditional fabric-based crafts as well.
We worked with Sabtera, an organization working to bring back the traditional Punja Dhurrie craft, to create these mats, which are made using white cotton yarn and old denim yarn. We at Club Artizen also collect old clothes, including denim, and donate them to India Wasted, an organization that works to ensure zero waste.
Sixteen-year-old Nirvaan Somany came up with a brilliant idea to recycle old jeans: to stitch together sleeping bags for the homeless.
If you are the DIY type, denim is so versatile that it can be used in many recycling projects as well. Here are a few ideas to take that step toward sustainable living!
- Pillow: Turn a pair of jeans into a comfy pillow. All you need are scissors, fabric glue, and an old pair of jeans. Here’s a video to teach you just that!
Jeans to be recycled. Pic courtesy Nirvaan Somany
- Use recycled denim fabric to create collars, toys and leads for dogs and other pets—perfectly sized to fit any animal without ever having to be adjusted! What’s more, they look super cool! Check out how to make denim toys for dogs here.
Now, you know that recycling your denim is easy. You can donate your old jeans to someone in need, or you can turn them into something new and useful for yourself. The best part about all of these options? They’re sustainable! Go ahead and make some space in your closet – it’s time to get rid of those old jeans.
So, next time you’re getting rid of that old pair of jeans, think about giving them a second life. It’s easy to do and great for the environment!
(Featured image by Roberto Sorin on Unsplash )