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One of the parts that really struck me in this chapter was why did textile reuse end? Macbride mentions that after the 30s, reuse of textiles in the home began to dwindle significantly.  I could not find any articles that pointed to why this happened  by I have a few theories of my own.  First of all I think with the great depression came the producing of cheaper items which fell apart easily.  This meant that they couldn’t be handed down.  I just do not understand how with WWII and the rationing of goods these values were somehow lost to where today the idea is that the minute our clothes get a stain or a hole we need to throw them out and get new ones.  

I found an interesting article the delves into the manufacturing of textiles specifically.  For example, to produce one pair of blue jeans in takes over 2,000 gallons of water to raise two pounds of cotton lint which is needed to make jeans.  This does not take into account all the pesticides and fertilizers used in growing that cotton.  Many companies similar to H&M claim that they are environmentally friendly but this claim only refers to their stores and how they make their stores energy efficient, not the manufacturing of their products.  

I think that sustainable textiles begins with manufacturing and by manufacturing products that can be easily recycled.  Another issue here is  that a lot of clothing today is made with polyester which is petroleum-based which means it cannot be recycled. Although it’s easy to say “well lets just switch to all cotton based clothing!” This will be equally as difficult because although it can be easily recycled it means growing more cotton and probably the use of more pesticides.  However I think that being able to recycle them would really even all of that out.  Some companies have started to find ways to reuse textiles.  For example, denim is used by some companies as insulation and Walmart is known for recycling polyester and nylon.  

Something else that has increased recycling of textiles is the comeback of vintage clothing.  Urban Outfitters was recently involved in a scandal where they bought older clothes from Goodwill for little to none and re-sold the items at more than 10 times their original cost.  Vintage stores that sell reused clothing are popping up everywhere.  The cool fashion trend right now is wearing clothing that looks old.  This has helped with the recycling movement.  I think that what needs to happen next is making thrift stores more trendy.  If this happens then recycling textiles will be made easier.  

http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/textile-recycling-challenges-industry