Used Clothing is a Force for Good (Podcast Recap: Episode 18 featuring Steven Bethell)
In the latest episode of Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid, host Monica Johnson engages in an enlightening conversation with Steven Bethell, co-founder of Bank & Vogue. The episode dives deep into the journey and innovative ideas behind Bank & Vogue, a family of companies dedicated to addressing the mounting crisis of textile waste and promoting sustainable practices.
You can read about the conversation highlights or listen to the full podcast on platforms like Apple, Spotify, PodBean, YouTube, the Planet Aid website, or wherever podcasts are available.
Founding of Bank & Vogue
At the beginning of the podcast, Bethell shares the inspiration behind launching Bank & Vogue with his wife, Helene Carter-Bethell, from the basement of their home in Ottawa, Canada. He reminisces about them being “scrappy entrepreneurs,” who saw a unique opportunity to collaborate with charities across North America by managing surplus donated clothing.
Their journey began with a significant contract with the Salvation Army of Canada, where they focused on repurposing clothing that could not be sold, establishing their motto: “innovative and relevant solutions to the crisis of stuff.”
Addressing the Crisis of Stuff
The episode discusses the overwhelming issue of unused clothing cluttering closets, emphasizing that Bank & Vogue's mission revolves around finding sustainable solutions to reduce textile waste. Bethell recounts how their collaboration with the Salvation Army evolved, transforming the organization's excess inventory into resources for various charitable endeavors.
Although the entrepreneur believes in innovation, he does not believe in innovation for the sake of innovation. He says the best innovations are the mothers of invention. Bethell highlights one of Bank & Vogue's examples, stating: "We started upcycling because we wanted to bring totes into our stores, and we didn't want to have to buy brand new totes. So, we said, 'What if we could cut up the old clothes and make totes?' At the end of the day, all of our innovations have been incremental and really trying to push the boundaries and embrace the authenticity of what the material can offer."
A Family of Companies
Bank & Vogue is not just about wholesaling used clothing; it has grown into a family of companies. Bethell highlights their chain of vintage clothing stores, Beyond Retro, located in Northern Europe and the UK, which promotes sustainable fashion trends. The flagship store at King's Cross in London serves as a hub for fashion enthusiasts seeking unique secondhand pieces.
The conversation shifts towards innovation, focusing on the company’s initiative for upcycling. Recognizing the potential in clothing that cannot be resold, Bank & Vogue has set up facilities to transform unusable textiles into new products with their Beyond Remade brand. Bethell proudly mentions collaborations with major brands like Coach and Wrangler, showcasing how they repurpose materials into components for new fashion items.
Fiber to Fiber Recycling
The episode concludes with a look at fiber-to-fiber recycling, the last step in their sustainability process. Bethell stresses the importance of finding viable solutions for clothing that cannot be repaired or resold, ultimately ensuring that every piece of fabric is utilized in some capacity.
As they wrap up, host Monica Johnson and Bethell reflect on the surprising impact of donated clothing. Bethell emphasizes that these donations not only fuel the operational success of many charities but also create a positive ripple effect in communities across North America.
Tune into our monthly podcast, Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid, to discover how small but impactful actions can contribute to a more sustainable future!
You can make your community more sustainable, Planet Aid offers solutions including:
Finding your closest yellow donation bin
Joining Planet Aid’s School Program
Hosting your own yellow bin
Click on one of the links above to start your sustainability journey.