In Atlanta, retired Ups Uniforms are finding a remarkable second life, thanks to an innovative initiative that is not only environmentally conscious but also creates much-needed jobs and supports animal welfare. UPS has partnered with re:loom and Best Friends Animal Society’s Lifesaving Center in Atlanta to transform old ups uniforms into valuable new products.
“The last thing we wanted was for these ups uniforms to end up in landfills,” stated Patrick Browne, UPS Director of Sustainability. “We are delighted to collaborate with these incredible non-profits to give these materials a second purpose and contribute something meaningful to our community.”
Through this partnership, the Initiative for Affordable Housing nonprofit, re:loom, plays a crucial role. Re:loom provides training and employment for individuals facing homelessness and low-income situations, teaching them hand-weaving skills using surplus textiles. These skilled artisans have repurposed the ups uniforms, transforming them into approximately 1,200 durable dog leashes.
Lisa Wise, Executive Director at the Initiative for Affordable Housing, highlighted the impact of this initiative: “Generous donations like this one from UPS enable us to make a real difference in the lives of Atlanta families by offering housing, job training, and stable employment.”
These uniquely repurposed brown leashes will directly benefit the animals at Best Friends Animal Society’s Lifesaving Center. Every dog adopted from the center will receive one of these leashes as they go to their forever homes.
Candy Maciel from Best Friends Animal Society expressed her enthusiasm: “I absolutely love these leashes! We are incredibly grateful for UPS’s generous contribution and the wonderful craftsmanship of the weavers at re:loom. We are excited to send these leashes home with our dogs as they embark on their new lives.”
Lisa Wise added, “As a pet lover myself, I’m especially thrilled to see these fantastic upcycled leashes benefiting both our community members and the wonderful animals at Best Friends Animal Society.”
This initiative showcases a powerful example of upcycling and corporate social responsibility, demonstrating how ups uniforms, once their primary service is complete, can contribute to both environmental sustainability and community enrichment. To explore more products crafted from ups uniforms and learn about re:loom’s mission to empower individuals through weaving, visit UPS products from re:loom.
