Textiles are a growing component of our waste stream.  It’s estimated a garbage truck full of clothes ends up in landfill sites every second.

More than 60% of those clothes are made from petroleum-based synthetics like Nylon, polyester, spandex, elastin and acrylic. When these fabrics are washed and dried in machines tiny microfibers are released and make their way into our water, air and soil.  

The ever increasing speed of textile production alongside quickening fashion cycles and diminishing durability of synthetics leaves us literally drowning in a world of toxic textile waste. 

That doesn't have to be the case. 

SZW is working to stop this waste from occurring locally by repurposing used textiles into new durable items for you and  your business.  Like the meditation cushions we made for Harmony Yoga. 

This work is happening through our jobs training program for immigrant and refugee women in collaboration with local service providers like Thrive International.  

And it’s not just fabric we’re keeping out of the waste stream…

Flexible materials like vinyl banners, billboards, sailcloth, canvas and more are also filling up our landfills or being incinerated. We’re working to give these materials new life.  We’ve partnered with the Museum of Arts and Culture to turn their vinyl banners into hard working totes, and event sized wristlets. These items also utilize exhausted climbing ropes from our local indoor climbing gym, Wild Walls.  

What’s next? 

Our vision is to build relationships with local businesses that want to reduce their contribution to the waste stream by transforming their usable waste materials into new goods.  What can we make for you?  

SZW is committed to changing the systems that make waste, to delivering sustainable solutions that support our local economy through just and equitable means and to helping usher in an era of circularity for the health and well-being of all. 

Our work is supported by The Smith Barbieri Progressive Fund, the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Public Participation Grant and through ARPA funds distributed by Ahana, Multi-Ethnic Business Association. Learn more about the Circular Economy.

Interested in partnering with us to develop an upcycled product? Click on the button below.

You can purchase our bags at Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture in Spokane: 2316 West First Avenue
Spokane, Washington 99201