CET Textile Drive nets 26,000 pounds
The Center for Ecological Technology (CET) netted more than 26,000 pounds of textiles during its 13th Annual Earth Day Clothing and Textile Drive in April. CET’s director of recycling services Jamie Cahillane said, “This year’s drive was our most successful one ever—Berkshire residents donated nearly 26,000 pounds of clothing and textiles.” Last year the collection brought in 16,000 pounds.CET collected clothing and textiles at their office on Elm Street on April 26 and 27. Many community volunteers assisted with the collection. Additional drop off sites included Berkshire South Regional Community Center in Great Barrington and Williamstown Rural Land Development at Sheep Hill in Williamstown.
CET partnered with Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires for the collection this year, and Cahillane said Goodwill’s assistance in picking up clothing at the two drop sites and name recognition helped make the drive such a success.
According to CET, textiles, including clothing, shoes, bedding and drapes, represent an estimated 5% of waste generated by the average household. “Reusing and recycling textiles conserves natural resources and energy and reduces pollution,” said Cahillane.
CET would like to thank Berkshire Bank, Greylock Federal Credit Union and Lee Bank-Pittsfield Loan Office for advertising support. A number of organizations also provided food and beverage donations for CET staff and volunteers from the Adult Learning Center and the community, including Bagels Too; Harry’s Supermarket; Pizza House on South Street; Dunkin Donuts on East Street; Samel’s Deli on Elm Street; and Morningside Bakery.
