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The Blue Jeans Go Green™ Program: Two Decades of Denim Recycling Impact

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Cotton Incorporated's Blue Jeans Go Green™ denim recycling initiative, a pioneering effort that has reshaped the perception of jean disposal and sustainability. Launched in 2006, the program initially started as a small denim collection drive on college campuses but has since evolved into a nationwide movement, reflecting a collective effort among consumers, retailers, and educational institutions.

A Journey of Transformation

Over the course of two decades, the Blue Jeans Go Green™ program has successfully collected more than 6 million pieces of denim, diverting over 3,000 tons of textile waste from landfills, and generating a staggering 12 million square feet of insulation from old jeans. This transformation showcases how individual actions, such as turning in a worn pair of jeans, can culminate in significant environmental benefits.

William Kimbrell, CEO of Cotton Incorporated, highlights the remarkable versatility of cotton as a natural fiber, stating, "Cotton is a remarkable natural fiber - durable enough to be worn and loved for years, yet versatile enough to take on an entirely new purpose." The program exemplifies how cotton can continue to maintain its value long after its initial use, reinforcing sustainable practices within the fashion industry.

Community Involvement and Participation

The success of Blue Jeans Go Green™ is attributed to the involvement of over 100 brands and retailers, including notable partners like Madewell, which has collected over 1 million pieces of denim and was the first retailer to establish year-round denim recycling. Additionally, Carhartt has contributed significantly, having diverted 67 tons of textile waste.

Educational institutions have also played a vital role in the program, contributing around 350,000 pieces of denim through campus drives and engaging students in sustainability efforts. Michelle Tarry, Vice President of Responsible Sourcing and Sustainability at American Eagle Outfitters, states that their commitment to recycling has facilitated over a million pairs recycled, showcasing the impactful collaboration between consumers and brands in promoting environmental responsibility.

Addressing the Textile Waste Crisis

The need for initiatives like Blue Jeans Go Green™ has never been clearer, with more than 11 million tons of textile waste being sent to landfills in 2018 alone. Despite a substantial interest from consumers—81% expressed a desire to recycle their clothing—the national recycling rate for textiles remains low at just 14.7%. With the average American owning six pairs of jeans, the program provides an accessible way for individuals to contribute to meaningful change while cleaning out their closets.

Commemorating a Milestone: Mt. Denim

To celebrate its anniversary, Cotton Incorporated hosted an event in New York City, featuring Mt. Denim, a striking art installation made from worn denim. This installation symbolizes the enormous quantity of material that the Blue Jeans Go Green™ program has kept out of landfills over the past 20 years and serves as a powerful reminder of the positive impact that collective efforts can achieve.

Looking to the Future

As the Blue Jeans Go Green™ program marks this significant milestone, Cotton Incorporated remains committed to fostering partnerships, enhancing recycling opportunities, and exploring innovative ways to extend the life of cotton beyond its initial use. The legacy of this initiative extends beyond landfill diversion; it inspires a vision of sustainability and reimagines what old denim can become.

For more information and to locate a denim recycling center, visit BlueJeansGoGreen.org. Join the movement and be a part of this impactful journey toward sustainability.

About Cotton Incorporated

Cotton Incorporated serves as the research and promotion organization for Upland cotton, funded by U.S. cotton growers and importers. Its mission encompasses increasing demand for cotton while supporting sustainable practices within the industry. Cotton Incorporated executes over 450 research projects annually, prioritizing agricultural innovation and market analysis.