According to some estimates, in Croatia we produce 135 000 tonnes of textile waste annually. 90% of this waste can be reused or recycled! Humana Nova social enterprise is doing just that, but in a way that includes excluded and marginalized groups in their work. This company combines ecological and social elements of sustainable development; work on the preservation of nature and the social inclusion of persons with disabilities and other groups with difficulties finding employment.

Humana Cooperative does the following: collects old textiles and sells it, or it produces new things from the old textile; covers, handbags, industrial cloths, etc. Cooperative employs 50 people, of which 26 are disabled and 4 long-term unemployed young mothers.

Although in it’s work, as well as other companies, Humana Nova is led by commercial goals, commitment to social goals (preserving the environment, involving hard-working groups) makes Human Nova a social enterprise.

You can support Humana Nova by donating old textiles or buying cooperative’s products. You can also contribute to the goals that a cooperative promotes through your own behavior. We are shareing tips from Humana Nova on how to recycle clothing:

Keep

1. Look at clothes, decorative fabrics, curtains, and other textiles that you have not used for a long time. Cut the pieces that are damaged or stained. Try to save as much as possible. Ribbons, lace and other ribbons can be very useful.

2. Categorize the materials you have collected. Systematize them in stacks according to the similarity of material and color. A good organization can be extremely useful when you use them later in handcrafts.

3. Consider how you will use the material. For example, you could connect old kitchen cloths to get a nice shopping bag, or use old towels to make a pet bed. Ribbons and lace can be a wonderful addition to your projects.

4. Try to rub old woolen items. Fleece bags are very popular, and any wool that has not been scratched because of high washing temperatures can be reused.

5. Make furniture covers withunique patterns. By using old t-shirts you love or children's clothing, you add a special touch of personal history to your product.

Donate

1. Donate used textile items to charitable organizations or organizations dealing with recycling and recycling of textiles.

2. Arrange an agreement with cover manufacturers to donate your textile.

3. Sell, modify or donate your used clothing to interested artists or merchants. Advertise in the local newspaper can help you reach those who need it.

4. Use eBay or another national / local advertisement portal to sell old clothes.

5. Be careful when choosing what to use. Your ecological consumer steps start with the decision to buy only those clothes that you are sure to wear for a long time. Additionally, shop in greenware stores (or with clothes already worn) or use cleaning cloths made of old clothes instead of buying them.