What Is Recycled Cotton Fabric?

Cotton Wastes

• Much of the cotton harvested ultimately ends up in landfills. According to the EnviroTote website, "Up to 40 percent of cotton grown is wasted between the harvest and the manufacture of garments." In order to cut down on cotton wastes, cotton scraps are now recycled.

Recycled Cotton

• Recycled cotton is made from the scraps that result during the spinning, weaving or cutting process when making cotton goods. No chemical processes occur in the making of recycled cotton fabrics. In the past, excess cotton went to waste, but as the demand for recycled cotton grows, so does its production. This allows for much of the excess fabric to be used.

Recycled Cotton Combinations

• Some recycled cottons are combined with other recyclable materials, such as polyethylene terphthalate fibers. Polyethylene terphthalate fibers come from recycled beverage bottles. They are combined with recycled cotton to create "green" bags, clothing and other fabricated items. This saves both the cotton scraps and beverage bottles from entering landfills.

Donated Cotton Fabrics

• Cotton fabrics that are not made of recycled materials can still be recycled through donations. Donating cotton fabrics ensure they will continue to be used and not thrown into waste. Turning raw materials into textiles uses at least 8,000 chemicals, and 25 percent of the world's pesticides are used to grow non-organic cotton. Donating cotton clothing and other fabric goods can help reduce the need to grow more.

Sustainable Fashion

• Sustainable fashion uses recycled cotton fabrics and other recycled materials to create fashionable clothing with little negative impact on the environment. Those who prefer to wear clothing that has a small carbon footprint turn to sustainable fashion.