Reduce, Reuse, RECOVER
Photo by Dan Loh.
Red Devil Style Meets Sustainability Success
by Madison Mobray ’28
According to the Recover website, the average American throws away around 81 pounds of apparel waste each year. Recover partners with colleges and universities around the country, such as Harvard, Ithaca and University of Massachusetts. Through the College Bookstore Association, all involved can contribute to an effort to reduce this waste. Now, Dickinson has joined this nationwide initiative and is excited to promote a new line of sustainable campus merchandise.
While searching for the most sustainable fit, Recover’s fully closed-loop system caught Dickinson's eye. Jason DeLorenzo, director of the campus store, Dickinson Outfitters, states that while many eco brands use recycled plastics, they don’t achieve a product that is 100% recycled. Recover uses solar power and water recycling that produces apparel aligning with Dickinson's sustainability efforts.
Putting the Cycle in Recycle
The process is simple. Dickinsonians will be able to take their unwanted clothing and donate it to the Recover supply chain. The closed loop bin inside the store accepts cotton, polyester or cotton/poly blended items. Pieces that contain zippers, buttons or elastics cannot be recycled but can still be taken to Dickinson’s Free xChange—the college's thrift store that provides an equitable space to exchange clothing between students. After garments are deposited in the Closed Loop Bin, the clothing will be taken, washed and broken down to create meaningful apparel made from 100% organic and recycled materials. Students who turn in their old apparel will receive $5 off their in-store purchase of a new Recover clothing item.
Students can deposit their clothes in Recover's closed loop bin in the campus store. Photo by Dan Loh.
Dickinson already carries several items from the Recover line, including V-neck and crew neck T-shirts and black/multi-color fleece crew neck sweatshirts and hoodies.
What’s Next?
This partnership brings more to Dickinson than just clothes. It also brings new opportunities for students to get involved. By teaching the Dickinson community how to close the loop and be proactive in sustainability efforts, students can become even more involved in Recover. Clothing drives, management of collection bins and even serving as a Recover Brand ambassador are all possibilities for students wanting to contribute to a more sustainable campus environment.
This partnership comes on the heels of the campus store going plastic-free, eliminating its single-use plastic bags at checkout in favor of a new reusable recycled tote. The college's Center for Sustainability Education fully supports these initiatives, viewing them as more steps toward integrating eco-conscious brands and shopping practices.
DeLorenzo notes that future plans could even include expanding the types of apparel within the store, integrating the program into academics or internships and using the data for sustainability research.
Visit Dickinson Outfitters to drop off your old apparel and explore the new Recover line.
Dickinson students showing off the Recover product line. Turn in your old apparel to receive $5 off your in-store purchase of a new Recover clothing item! Photo by Dan Loh.
TAKE THE NEXT STEPS
Published October 14, 2025