+10 Points
(1) $100 e-gift card
Did you know that over 17 million tons of textile waste end up in landfills each year in the United States alone? Even though donation centers like Goodwill and The Salvation Army exist, they aren’t always easy to access. Plus, some people simply don’t take the time to sort through their old clothes and make the trip to donate or recycle them. Instead, they toss them in the trash, where those clothes can sit for decades, releasing harmful chemicals into the environment.
Brands like H&M have started offering in-store recycling programs where customers can drop off old clothes, but not everyone takes advantage of these efforts. Many say it’s inconvenient, while others don’t even know these programs exist. What if recycling clothes could be as easy as putting them in the trash, but much better for the planet? That’s where your creativity comes in!
Your Task:
Pretend you’re starting a new business that helps people recycle clothes in a way that’s effortless and fashionable. Create a quick pitch for your business, answering these questions:
Why would people want to use this service?
How does it work, step by step?
How is your service both fashionable and affordable?
What makes it unique and better than what’s already available?
Write a short description of your business and include a few ideas on how you would promote it to investors. Bonus points if you can think of a clever name and logo for your business. Be creative—your pitch should be as stylish as the clothes you’re helping to recycle!
Want to learn more about social enterprises and try your hand at being a social entrepreneur? Join the Social Entrepreneurship for Teens Changemakers Challenge!