The Zero Waste Textile Initiative

The Mission and People Behind it

The Zero Waste Textile Initiative (ZWTI) is a sustainability initiative geared towards the collection and redirection of textiles from landfills through creative reuse, recycling, donation, and swap events. We launched this initiative with the mission to use our campus as a living laboratory for testing, and implementing solutions for circular, closed-loop textile waste systems.

The founding faculty member is Dr. Jestratijevic and it is led by URF students Rosalyn Zuniga, Madeline Blackburn, and Claire Uresti.

Research

The Zero Waste Textile Initiative applies Life Cycle Assessment Methodology to analyze its environmental impact and propose a scalable solution to textile waste in local communities.

Rosalyn Zuniga and Madeline Blackburn received an award for Best Undergraduate Research Project at the CMHT Research Showcase (2024) for their contribution to the project.

Community members interested in the collaborative research opportunities, LCA methodology, or our data can contact us on the following email: Iva.Jestratijevic@unt.edu

Outcomes

Since its inception on 3/4/2024, ZWTI has allied with partners such as the City of Denton (Solid Waste & Recycling, Sustainability Department) and so far, we have collected over 3,000 lbs (about 1360.78 kg) of textiles which was diverted through donation to partners such as UNT based Diamond Eagle Clothing Closet.  A 100% replacement rate was achieved for 71% of products which we diverted through sorting donation to partners and a community closet pop-up. Of the remaining percentage, 23% was retained for future diversion, and 6% was recycled.

Events

Community Closet swap event and design workshop held in the Union on 4/26/2024.

Sorting A Thon event with City of Denton (upcoming)

Volunteer Opportunities

The Zero Waste Textile initiative provides an opportunity for students to involve themselves within sustainability and further their research skills. We are seeking volunteers for sorting, collection, upcycling, and events.

Interested volunteers can reach out to the emails: Iva.Jestratijevic@unt.edu  RosalynZuniga@my.unt.edu

Related Media and Articles

• new recycling initiative campus aims reduce textile waste
• new initiative at UNT encourages sustainable fashion recycling and zero waste creations

Instagram:  @unttextilewaste