Denim Is a Staple In These 5 Creators’ Closets—Here’s Why Sustainability Is As Important To Them As Style

Denim is iconic. Denim is timeless. When it’s made from the natural, sustainable properties of cotton fibers, it can also be recycled. That ethos is incredibly important to these five stylish creators, who believe deeply in the small choices that add up to a real impact on our planet.

That’s where Cotton’s Blue Jeans Go Green™ program comes in. With it, authentic pieces of denim can be repurposed rather than thrown away. When you recycle your old denim through this program, it gets transformed into creative new products—everything from insulating material for building efforts to pet bed inserts to thermal insulation used in sustainable food and pharmaceutical packaging. (In other words, it doesn’t simply end up in a landfill.)

In fact, Cotton’s Blue Jeans Go Green™ program is helping to reduce the approximately 17 million tons* of textile waste discarded each year, conserving natural resources and saving energy in the process. (It’s also been in existence for nearly two decades.) To participate, simply bring your well-loved jeans, jackets and other pieces to one of Cotton’s Blue Jeans Go Green™ program’s participating retailers or utilize their mail-in program.

Here’s a peek at the five creators who rely on it extensively to give their beloved denim pieces a second life.

An Arizona-based photographer and creative director, Christensen describes his life like a Western. He’s also clear about his love of things that are built to last. “That’s why I’m hard on my denim,” he notes. When it’s done, he taps into Cotton’s Blue Jeans Go Green™ program in order to recycle his beloved pieces at Madewell, one of the program’s participating retailers.

Hollister is a professional glass blower and the co-founder of Antolini Glass Co. in Philadelphia, but most of all, she’s a believer in good quality materials. “I work mostly in denim because it’s made from natural cotton and can take the heat,” she explains. But when a pair is done, she knows exactly where to recycle them, thanks to Cotton’s Blue Jeans Go Green™ program. But when a pair is done, she knows exactly where to recycle them, thanks to Cotton’s Blue Jeans Go Green™ program. By taking her worn denim to a participating retailer like Rails, the denim can be transformed into something new through the program.

In their work restoring old houses, the Poshustas know a thing or two about bringing old stories back to life. “Most people walk into an old house and see everything that’s wrong with it, but we see everything it could become,” Garrett says. “Any time there’s a way to re-use something and give it a second life, we absolutely love doing that.” That’s why this duo taps into Cotton’s Blue Jeans Go Green™ program to recycle their well-loved Carhartt pieces. “It’s another second life we get to be a part of,” Cathy says.

Blount is a climber, explorer and pro adventure photographer. “Exploring the outdoors inspires a sense of wonder for me and I love capturing those moments of joy on camera,” she explains. “I feel a responsibility to take care of this world and make sure others get the chance to experience it in the ways that I have.” That’s why she reaches for denim that’s made from at least 90 percent cotton. “I wear denim because it’s durable, comfortable and I know I look good,” she explains. But when it’s done, she brings her well-worn pieces to MUJI, another participant in Cotton’s Blue Jeans Go Green™ program.

She’s a musician living out her country music dreams in Nashville. Frey is the first to shout out the fact that she’s building something authentic and true to herself. “That’s where cotton, denim and country music go hand in hand,” she explains. “Just like a great song, a great pair of jeans can keep making an impact long after it starts to fade.” This is what fuels her interest in Cotton’s Blue Jeans Go Green™ program. In her case, Frey takes her worn (and well-loved) denim pieces to Veronica Beard, where they can be repurposed and live on through the Blue Jeans Go Green™ program.

*Recycling Basics and Benefits | US EPA; Textiles Material-Specific Data | US EPA