New Life for Old Jeans: Newport Retailer Hosts Denim Drive

NEWPORT, RI—Instead of an unwanted or torn pair of denim jeans ending up in the landfill, why not turn it into home insulation?

Laura Flynn, owner of Laura Jean Denim in Newport, is asking that question. And she's hoping that the answer is a pile of donated denim brought to her store between May 25 and June 15.

Flynn is taking part in a denim drive that will deliver the denim to the Blue Jeans Go Green program. From there, it will be upcycled into insulation and some of it ends up going to charitable causes, like Habitat for Humanity.

Cotton Incorporated started the denim recycling program 10 years ago and has collected about a million pieces of donated denim in the subsequent years.

About 2 million square feet of insulation has been created and 600 tons of waste has been diverted from landfills.

“I’m excited to be a part of a denim repurposing program that takes denim out of our landfills and puts it to good use,” Flynn said. “Our customers are environmentally conscious and I’m sure will be eager to participate.”

Her customers might also be tempted by the deal Flynn is offering. Anyone who donates at least one pair of used jeans will get a $20 coupon for a new pair of jeans. The offer is valid for same-day purchases.

Laura Jean Denim is upscale clothing store located at 198 Bellevue Ave. that has been in business since 2005.