A larger-than-life “clothing spill” at Seattle’s Alki Beach today presents a striking reminder that landfills shouldn’t be laundry piles. Staged by Savers, an international chain of for-profit thrift stores, the installation is a poignant illustration of the prodigious amount of textiles Americans throw away every year.

Eighty-five percent of clothing waste ends up in landfills, with only 15 percent being reused or recycled.  Today we are applauding Savers for calling attention to the issue of clothing waste.

Still, the world can – and should – do better.  We hope consumers will rethink reuse.  Start shopping thrift, donating unwanted goods and consuming in a more responsible way.