a closed-loop system is a sustainable cycle where materials are continuously reused instead of discarded. at we.grow.eco, we apply this by collecting unwanted textiles, repurposing them into handmade paper or educational projects, and then reintegrating them into the community through workshops, markets, and new products. this keeps waste out of landfills and creates a circular process where resources are used efficiently and creatively.

step 1: donate your extra clothes or fabric scraps to we.grow.eco! we host 7-8 clothing swaps each year, usually on the first saturday of the month in spring, summer, and fall at our santa fe creative space (1807 2nd st. #72). you can also drop off donations anytime monday-friday from 9 am - 7 pm.

step 2: leftover plant-based textiles are repurposed into handmade paper or used in our deconstructive engineering lessons.

step 3: we foster community involvement through artist residencies, workshops, and markets, creating year-round opportunities for learning and growth.

step 4: each year, we divert over 100 pounds of textile waste from landfills by transforming it into handmade paper.

donations we accept:

paper waste (anything above printer paper level & lhicker):

• watercolor paper

• packaging paper

• cereal board

• cardboard

• mixed media paper

• cotton-based paper

• handmade paper scraps

• cardstock

• paper bags (non-waxy)

• uncoated art prints

• old sketchbooks

clothing & textile waste :

• cotton (no polyester blends)

• linen

• any type of textile in good condition ( for swaps)

• denim jeans (100% cotton)

• burlap/jute

• cotton bedsheets & pillowcases

• tea towels & cloth napkins

• natural fiber mending yarn scraps

• corn husks :)

  
  looking ahead: by 2028, we aim to establish a textile recycling and reuse center in new mexico, capable of processing 40,000 pounds of textile waste into paper products annually. in 2024, we processed approximately 400 pounds.