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CLEANING OUT YOUR CLOSET 
by JANE BOGNER
SUNDAY, June 13, 2004

Clothing is one of the most difficult materials to recycle. Traditional clothing, suits and dresses in good condition generally find a second home through thrift stores or garage sales. Fancy bridesmaid dresses and prom gowns are generally left hanging in closets. Consignment shops and high end thrift stores may take these along with wedding dresses.

High school prom is a right of passage for most teens. However, the price of a new prom dress can be $200 which does not include the price of shoes or accessories. The Glass Slipper Project (www.glassslipperprojuect.org) in Chicago was started to accept donations of gently-used prom dresses that were shared with low income young ladies.

The Princess Project in San Francisco is a nonprofit that gives prom dresses away. Started in 2002 by Kristi Smith Knutson and Laney Whitcanack, they have donated more than 1,000 prom dresses and accessories. This spring, girls chose from more than 2,000 dresses. The donated dresses were distributed at giveaway events that included flowers, accessories, and makeup advice. Dresses that do not make it to prom night were donated to other Bay Area charities. The Princess Project starts collecting dresses again next February. High school girls who want a dress must register online at www.princessproject.org. Those who wish to donate dresses, volunteer, or learn more about the Princess Project can call (415) 269-6667.

PULP FASHION SHOW

The organizers of the National Recycling Council (NRC) Congress invite artists and recyclers to design recycled fashions and participate in their Recycled Pulp Fashion Show. Clothing must be made from at least 75% recycled, reused or bound for the landfill materials. It must be a complete outfit, not just a hat or vest. They are looking for well-crafted and thought out fashions. Models must be provided for the August 30 program. Fifteen entries will be accepted. To be considered, send a photo or sketch and description by August 1 to Nancy Judd at nancy.judd@comcast.net or call (505) 983-4470 for more information.

The NRC 23rd Annual Congress and Exposition will be held from August 29 through September 1, 2004 in San Francisco. Go to www.nrc-recycle.org/congress/index.htm for more information.

Two years ago, Groundwork Providence, a Rhode Island environmental nonprofit organization, hosted "Runway Earth: Recycled Fashions for a Sustainable World." Their show included fashions made from recycled plastics, vintage clothing brought back to life, creative dresses made of crushed beer cans, and hats fashioned from cereal boxes. VALCORE has several costumes made from CRV containers from our high school contest last year. These costumes will show contestants several ways to work with aluminum cans and plastic bottles.

VALLEJO COMPOSTING CLASSES

VALCORE conducts free backyard and earthworm composting classes on the third Saturday of each month at 38 Sheridan from 10:00am to Noon. The next class is June 19. Two composting bins will be given away at each class to two Vallejo residents.

VALCORE’s NEW HOURS

Starting July 1, VALCORE Recycling will be open from 9:00am to 5:00 pm for donation customers. CRV Buy Back will be open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. We will be closed for lunch from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

VALCORE Recycling Vice President Jane Bogner's "A Sorted Affair" is published every other week in the Times-Herald, Community Outlook Section. For recycling information call Genie Kaggerud, VALCORE Recycling manager at 645-8258 or visit www.VALCORErecycling.org.

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