Runway Recycled Shop

Tag: sustainable fashion

  • Fashion Sustainability and the Polyester Dilemma: A Thoughtful Reflection

    Fashion Sustainability and the Polyester Dilemma: A Thoughtful Reflection

    At Runway Recycled, our mission is grounded in promoting sustainability through fashion. We pride ourselves on rescuing, beautiful garments from landfills and extending their life cycles by giving them a second chance to shine. However, as we continue to acquire pieces from fashion shows red carpet, events, boutiques, and even couture brands, we are confronted with a growing challenge: The prevalence of polyester.

    This durable, versatile material may dominate the global fashion industry, but it’s impacting our planet, and our health is deeply concerning. Despite our preference for natural fibers, polyester garments – whether from fast fashion, bridal or high-end couture – are increasingly our inventory. This dilemma forces us to reconcile to truth:

    1. Keeping textiles out of landfills is essential for environmental sustainability.
    2. Polyester is neither good for the planet nor our bodies.

    The Hidden Cost of Polyester

    Polyester, a synthetic fiber, derived from petroleum, is a cornerstone of modern fashion. It is lightweight, durable, and inexpensive to produce, making it a popular choice for designers and manufacturers. However, these benefits come at a high cost.

    • Environmental Impact: Polyester productions, require significant energy and releases, greenhouse gases. It is estimated that producing 1 kg of polyester emits 5.5 kg of carbon monoxide. Furthermore, polyester garment shed, micro plastics with every wash, contributing to the 14,000,000 tons of micro plastics currently polluting our oceans (Source: Ellen MacArthur Foundation).
    • Non-Biodegradability: Polyester tastes 20 to 200 years to decompose, meaning that every polyester garment ever made still your thoughts on this complex issue. This creates a long-term waste problem that directly contradict sustainability goals.
    • Health Concerns: Polyester does not breathe, like natural fiber, such as cotton, silk, or wool. It traps heat and moisture, which can irritate the skin and contribute to allergic reactions. Additionally, some study suggest that prolonged exposure to synthetic fabrics may have adverse effects on our largest organ – the skin.

    Struggling With The Mission

    At Runway Recycled, we are committed to reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices. Yet, the abundance of polyester garment challenges, this mission. While rescuing these items align with our goal of preventing landfill waste, it also height highlights the need for systematic change in the fashion industry.

    This internal struggle is one I face regularly. As a curator of eco-chic, formal wear, and bridal pieces, I grapple with whether promoting and reselling polyester garments, ultimately aligns with our values. At the same time, I realize that reusing and recycling is a step towards a more sustainable future – no matter the material.

    The Road Ahead: Education and Advocacy

    Our approach at Runway Recycled is not just to sell garments, but to educate and inspire change. Here’s how we can move forward:

    1. Raise Awareness: By sharing the environmental and health impacts of polyester, we can encourage consumer to make more informed choices.
    2. Promote Natural Fibers: We can prioritize garments made from natural, sustainable materials, showcasing their benefits over synthetic.
    3. Advocate for Change: The fashion industry needs to reduce its reliance on synthetic fibers. By supporting brands and designers committed to sustainability, we can influence trends and demand greater accountability.
    4. Innovate Recycling Solutions: Polyester is here to stay, but innovation in textile recycling can help mitigate its environmental footprint. Supporting research and development in this area is critical.

    A Call to Action

    While polyester presents undeniable challenges, it also presents an opportunity to spark meaningful conversations about sustainability. Let’s educate ourselves, advocate for systematic changes, and continue to find innovative ways to repurpose and extend the life of garments.

    At Runway Recycled, we remain committed to doing our part, even when face with dilemmas. Together, we can create a future, where fashion is both beautiful and sustainable – for our planet and for our bodies.

    Share Your Thoughts:

    We’d love to hear your thoughts on this complex issue. How do you balance the need for sustainability with the reality of synthetic fabrics? Share your ideas and solutions in the comments below!

    Sources:

    Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2017 Nov. 27) A new textiles economy: redesigning fashion’s future.

    Unric (2024 Dec. 17). From petroleum to pollution: the cost of polyester.

    Lea Daulan. (2018 May 3). Chemicals in textiles and the health implications.

    National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Textiles and health.

  • Runway Recycled: The Boutique Disrupting Fashion with a Borrow-Wear-Return Revolution

    Runway Recycled: The Boutique Disrupting Fashion with a Borrow-Wear-Return Revolution

    In an era of fast fashion, Runway Recycled is leading the charge for sustainable style. Located in Moorestown, NJ, this nonprofit boutique is redefining how women shop for fashion with its innovative Garment Library. By offering locals a way to check in and out designer formal wear, bridal gowns, and eco-chic pieces, Runway Recycled is creating a circular fashion economy while empowering women to look their best sustainably.

    The Garment Library: Quiet Luxury Meets Community

    Fast fashion is out, and quiet luxury is in. Runway Recycled’s Garment Library brings this ethos to life with a unique borrow-wear or shine-return model. Members can access high-end designer fashion without commitment to a purchase, reducing textile waste and making sustainability affordable for all.

    Perfect for weddings, galas, or milestone events, the Garment Library blends vintage charm with contemporary eco-chic design, proving that you don’t need to buy new to feel extraordinary. “Women deserve access to sustainable luxury”, says Dr. Bonita “Bo” Best. “Our Garment Library is about extending the lifecycle of high-quality garments while giving women the freedom to experiment with their style.”

    Bridal gowns and formal wear take center stage, offering an affordable and eco-chic alternative to one-time purchases. Locals can look forward to a curated collection that vintage charm with contemporary chic – perfect for weddings, galas, red carpeted events, movie productions, and everything in between.

    Eco-Chic Trunk Shows: Fashion with a Purpose

    Runway Recycled’s Eco-Chic Trunk Shows go beyond retail – they’re community-driven events celebrating sustainable fashion. From showcasing upcycled designs to spotlighting local designers and creatives, these events educate and inspire fashion lovers to embrace eco-conscious choices.

    One highlight of these trunk shows is  Catwalk for Change initiative, which its signature initiative, Black Fashion Week Experience (BFW EXP) and Project Runway Recycled. BFW EXP event not only showcases emerging designers but also highlights the intersection of sustainability and diversity, reinforcing Runway Recycled’s commitment to driving change the fashion industry.

    Pay It Forward: A Boutique That Gives Back

    Fashion meets for philanthropy with Pay It Forward, an initiative where donated garments are labeled to be gifted to women at the ScholarCHIPS Winter Wonderland event on December 21, 2024.  This January, lucky brides-to-be attending the Bridal & Wedding Expo will have the chance to win wedding gowns – further proof of Runway Recycled’s dedication to empowering women through fashion.

    Additionally, the boutique gifts items from the Garment Library to select models who collaborate withers mission, strengthening partnerships with creatives who share its values.

    Disrupting Fashion, One Borrowed Gown at a Time

    Runway Recycled is more than a boutique; it’s a disruptor in the world of sustainable luxury fashion. By integrating circular fashion practices with community-driven initiatives, it’s leading a moment that proves high fashion and eco-conscious living can coexist.

    With programs like the Garment Library, Eco-Chic Trunk Shows, and Pay It Forward, Runway Recycled is setting a new standard for sustainable retail while making fashion accessible to grow, it’s inspiring a global audience to rethink how they show, dress, and give back.

    With plans to expand its initiative and impact, this small boutique is poised to influence the industry far beyond Moorestown. And as the world watches, Runway Recycled continues to ask the question: Can fashion save the planet? Their answer question? Absolutely!

  • The Power of Small Business Saturday: A Dream Realized

    Small Business Saturday was more than just a shopping day at Runway Recycled—it was a celebration of women, empowerment, and community. Nestled in Moorestown Mall, our nonprofit sustainable boutique welcomed women of all ages, from teens to retirees, spanning Moorestown, Philadelphia, and neighboring states. Each customer brought more than just their presence; they brought a spirit of connection and support that turned an ordinary day into something extraordinary.

    From the moment we opened the doors at 2 PM on November 30, 2024, the energy was palpable. Women shopping for holiday parties, corporate events, and everyday looks found more than fashion—they found confidence. Strangers became cheerleaders, celebrating each other’s style choices, offering advice, and sharing stories. As I helped customers check out, I witnessed firsthand the true power of women supporting women. These moments touched my soul, a reminder of why Runway Recycled exists.

    This was not just shopping; it was a dream realized. Opening the store alone, I worried about the challenge ahead. But I wasn’t alone for long. The love, support, and encouragement shared among these women filled the space with a warmth that was both humbling and inspiring. This is what women empowerment looks like: collaboration, celebration, and connection.

    Our Sustainable, Small Business Saturday proved that brick-and-mortar businesses like ours are vital. In an age where online giants and fast fashion dominate, women chose us—a sustainable boutique with a niche mission. By shopping with us, they not only found unique, eco-chic looks but also supported something much bigger.

    Every purchase helps fund our Sustainability Apprenticeship Program, empowering future designers, sustainability advocates, and entrepreneurs with skills to thrive in a sustainable fashion industry. Every new customer fuels our mission to provide accessible luxury and eco-friendly options to the working poor. And every connection builds a foundation for empowering women and influencing styles in communities that extend far beyond Moorestown, New Jersey and its shopping mall.

    What happened on Small Business Saturday was nothing short of magical. Women left our boutique with smiles, confidence, and the beginnings of budding relationships. They supported each other as much as they supported us, showing that sustainable, quiet luxury can bring people together in meaningful ways.

    We can’t wait to see your final looks as we transition from the holidays into the New Year! Your joy and confidence fuel our mission, and we are excited for the moments yet to come.

    A special thank you to the incredible women who are volunteering their time and talents to model for us as we update our merchandise online on our revamped website (:o) you know who you are). Your support is invaluable as we prepare for our debut at the PA Bridal & Wedding Expo, where we’ll continue sharing our vision of sustainable, elegant fashion.

    Happy Holidays and, in advance, Happy New Year! Thank you for believing in us, for showing up, and for empowering Runway Recycled to thrive. Together, we are redefining fashion, building connections, and making an impact—one eco-chic choice at a time.