The University of Houston chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) partnered with Cotton Incorporated to bring the Blue Jeans, Go Green denim recycling program to the campus.
The campaign is centered around taking old and used denim and repurposing them as a safe alternative to harmful home insulant that contains formaldehyde, carcinogens, and/or fiberglass. The University of Houston is one of six schools in the country to participate in this effort.Aside from their excitement surrounding the cause, PRSSA, which currently has approximately 30 active students, used Blue Jeans, Go Green as a way to sharpen their public relations skills by applying what they have learned in the classroom.
“Blue Jeans, Go Green is this eight-week campaign, and we know campaigns are important within PR. We thought that this would be a great opportunity to get hands-on experience,” said Fatimah Sayeed, Public Relation major and PRSSA Houston’s director of programming.Since launching the campaign, PRSSA has hosted two denim collection events, obtaining over 100 donations.
For Sayeed, this campaign is bigger than just donating old clothes. It’s a way for UH to truly make a difference.“Your old denim could be used to help save the environment. In doing that, your contribution could also help bring safe housing to people in need.”
PRSSA Houston will be accepting denim from now through the week of Thanksgiving in collection boxes strategically located throughout the campus - including one located outside of the Valenti School of Communication’s main office.The next denim collection event will be held on Wednesday, November 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside of the Student Center South.