THIS AUSSIE LABEL WILL TAKE YOUR OLD SOCKS AND TURN THEM INTO RECYCLED TEXTILES

Written by Valeria Ryavkina for the Overshoot. Read the original blog here.

Love ethical fashion? Hate sorting through your pile of holey singles to find a pair of socks that match? You’re gonna want to read this.

MANRAGS is an Aussie sock and underwear label that decided to change the game and introduce sock recycling program as part of their circular fashion commitment.

All you need to do is purchase a satchel (biodegradable, of course) from the MANRAGS website for $2 to get started. All brands are accepted and you can send up to 10 pairs of socks in each satchel. You will also receive $20 store credit for your first return should you need a new pair of socks. MANRAGS operates as a subscription-based business, but you can choose a month-to-month option and make a one-off purchase.

In Australia, an estimated 3 million tonnes of textiles goes into landfill every year, but only a small fraction gets recycled. This is equivalent to 15 MCG stadiums filled to the brim. Yep, it’s that bad. And you already know where it ends up – landfill, ocean, Salvos, back of your wardrobe while you try to figure out what to do with it.

As consumers, we are responsible for reducing our fast fashion consumption and making more ethical and sustainable choices. However, it is the major fashion players (brands, retailers, manufacturers) that hold the most power and should take responsibility for the entire life cycle of their products.

MANRAGS have pointed out that they still have a lot of work to do when it comes to environmental sustainability, but the recycling program is a massive step in the right direction. Most importantly, they have shown that if a relatively small Aussie brand can implement a circular model, then there are no excuses for major fashion business to not put in place similar initiatives.