SMART Association's Elementary Education Program Reaches 1 Million Students Nationwide

Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association (SMART), the international trade association for the for-profit used clothing recycling industry, reports it has reached more than 1 million students through its elementary education program. Developed in partnership with The Education Center, the no-cost curricula provides grade-appropriate resources for elementary teachers on the benefits of recycling used clothing and household textiles.

Since the program’s launch in October 2012, 20,257 teachers nationwide have engaged in the program, with more than 21,000 resource downloads reaching 1,093,878 students. The program provides various learning resources including a textile recycling fact sheet and infographics, and grade-appropriate lesson plans for grades K-2 and 3-5. In adherence with Common Core Standards required by schools, the curricula complements existing lesson plans and incorporates core school subjects such as math and science while teaching students that clothing and other textiles can be recycled just like common household recyclables like paper, plastic, glass and aluminum.

“We have worked very hard over the last several years to educate elementary school children and teachers about the benefits of textile recycling. We understand the importance of engaging students at a young age,” said Jackie King, executive director of SMART. “Last year, we saw overwhelming results of elementary school teachers utilizing SMART’s lesson plans, and this year were couldn’t be more excited to have achieved the milestone of educating more than 1 million elementary students about textile reuse and recycling.”

While the official three-year campaign ends March 31, 2015, the resources will remain searchable by teachers on The Education Center’s website. The resources can also be found on SMART’s website at www.smartasn.org/educators-kids. SMART will continue to fulfill its commitment to educating the public about the benefits of recycling all used clothing and household textiles.

Please direct all media inquiries for SMART to Josie Hankey at 410-420-2001 or by email at josie.hankey@fallstongroup.com. To learn more about SMART, visit www.smartasn.org or “like” SMART on Facebook.