A new report released by the UN Food Agency says recycling urban wastewater and using it to grow food crops can help mitigate water scarcity problems and reduce water pollution.Recycled waste water for irrigation.The practice is winning increased attention worldwide and in countries like Spain and Mexico, where a high proportion of reclaimed water is used in irrigation. Farmers would also be able to avoid some of the costs of pumping groundwater, while the presence of nutrients in the wastewater would reduce their fertilizer expenses.
In addition, safely harnessing wastewater for food production can offer solution in water-scarce regions where cities and agriculture compete for water.Properly treated and safely recycled water can potentially offer a ‘triple dividend’ to urban users, farmers and the environment. Use of reclaimed wastewater in agriculture has been reported in around 50 countries on what amounts to 10 percent of the world’s irrigated land.
Chicago, IL: Used clothing collection company USAgain (pronounced “use again”) announces today it will roll out 100 collection bins in the Bay Area this September, providing a convenient and practical solution for local residents to discard unwanted clothing, shoes, linens and other textiles. USAgain diverts millions of pounds of clothing from landfills, generating new revenue streams for local businesses and non-profits, and fueling local economies in emerging countries. In 2009 alone, the company diverted 54 million pounds of used clothes.
USAgain’s goal is to significantly bolster the diversion rate of textiles in the region.
Textiles are the 7th most discarded material in the area, and as landfill costs rise, cities are supportive of new solutions. Installing USAgain textile collection bins at convenient drop-off sites enables cities to most effectively gather reusable clothing that might otherwise go to waste. USAgain is actively seeking to partner with local municipalities.
“We’re excited to debut our service in the Bay Area, a densely populated region highly motivated to keep waste to a minimum,” said Mattias Wallander, CEO of USAgain. “Given the enormous success of our program in other markets, we expect to directly impact the local environment and economy by helping the region responsibly dispose of millions and millions of pounds of used clothes.”
In anticipation of its Bay Area launch, USAgain is actively hiring. Positions include those on a sales team of nearly 20 employees on the ground, including sales representatives, a division manager, transport supervisor, and warehouse staff positions. The company opened an office and warehouse this month in the city of Hayward, CA. USAgain already operates in 10 major U.S. markets, including Milwaukee, Seattle and Atlanta. It is headquartered in Chicago.
“Vu Management, Inc. is very excited about partnering with USAgain. By giving our customers an easy option to recycle textiles, we’re helping to green our corporate profile. Plus, it’s a great feeling knowing that these clothes will get reused — and not dumped in landfills,” said Mai Trinh, Senior Property Manager of Vu Management, Inc.
USAgain recently supported California state legislation to regulate clothes collection bins. In compliance with all local and state guidelines, the company will install its bins at area businesses, schools and other convenient locations. Individual business owners agree to host a bin, and in return, collect part of the proceeds generated from clothing collected on site. The host can then choose to keep the additional revenue, or donate it through USAgain to one of five charities, including Children’s Miracle Network. USAgain will collect and bundle the used textiles at its local warehouse, and resell them in the U.S. and abroad to thrift store chains, wholesalers and graders/recyclers.
A new report released by the UN Food Agency says recycling urban wastewater and using it to grow food crops can help mitigate water scarcity problems and reduce water pollution.Recycled waste water for irrigation.The practice is winning increased attention worldwide and in countries like Spain and Mexico, where a high proportion of reclaimed water is used in irrigation. Farmers would also be able to avoid some of the costs of pumping groundwater, while the presence of nutrients in the wastewater would reduce their fertilizer expenses.
