Goodwill and Mark's: Giving Denim a Second Life

The Environment

Denim is a staple in our wardrobes, but did you know that it takes a significant toll on the environment? From the water and energy used to produce it, to the chemicals involved in the dyeing process, denim has a considerable impact on our planet.

As an award-winning organization in sustainability, Goodwill Industries of Alberta is committing to doing what is best for our province and the planet.

How it Works

When you visit select Mark's stores in the Edmonton region, donate your gently-used denim items at the marked (pun intended) bins. The denim is then sent to Goodwill where it has an opportunity at a second life. (see below)

By making a donation at Mark's, you will receive a $5 off voucher per pair of jeans donated, for your next purchase of jeans at Mark's. (See details in store)

The Process

Goodwill will sort the product received by Mark's at the Goodwill Edmonton Impact Centre. The product is sorted into the following categories:

Re-sell

Good quality donations sell at Goodwill retail stores across Alberta.

Repurpose

The product deemed defective, damaged or of low quality is repurposed in Goodwill’s Commercial Services division. This includes the following:

• Washing stained and/or odorous items at the Goodwill Impact Centre.
• Transforming items into craft products. This product sells in 25 lbs. craft boxes at the Goodwill Impact Centre, online and at the Goodwill stores.
• Transforming textiles into cleaning cloths, rags or packaging.
• Selling textile scraps as filling material.
• Recycling metal items such as zippers.
• Selling plastic buttons in bulk after being cleaned and sorted.

Goodwill is commits to repurposing as many items as possible when selling items in its stores is not an option, in order to avoid the recycling or landfill.

Landfill

Items that are not sold or repurposed will be disposed of in the landfill. This will be the last option. Goodwill Industries of Alberta commits to going above and beyond to avoid this step. However, in some instances due to Health and Safety concerns or due to the lack of technology available in the market, it is not feasible to divert some items from the landfill.

The Impact

Reselling and repurposing denim not only helps to reduce waste and conserve resources, but it also supports job creation and economic development. Goodwill employs people in their thrift stores and donation centers, many of whom have a disability or barrier to the workforce.

By partnering with Goodwill and Mark's, you can make a positive impact on the environment and support a sustainable future. Not only are you keeping denim out of landfills, but you're also contributing to the creation of employment and training opportunities for persons with barriers to employment.

So next time you're cleaning out your closet, remember to donate your gently-used denim items to Goodwill or Mark's – you'll be making a difference in more ways than one.