Larry Rowbs Clothing Recycling Initiative
Donation protected
Our mission is to establish a state-of-the-art clothing recycling facility in Uganda, aiming to boost the local economy, protect the environment, and improve quality of life across Africa and beyond.
The Larry Rowbs Foundation is a non-profit organization registered in California and endorsed by the Christian Ministry Alliance, a 501(c)(3) entity based in Goodyear, Arizona. Our mission is to revolutionize the textile industry and promote environmental sustainability.
Our operations are centered in Uganda, where we face a critical challenge: millions of tons of donated clothes and apparel flood the country annually, with a staggering 70% ending up in landfills or polluting the African environment.
Our project aims to transform the African fashion industry by implementing sustainable solutions. We plan to redirect wasted textile materials from environmental degradation into a circular economy, while also creating educational opportunities.
Our plan centers on building a full-scale clothing recycling facility in Uganda that will:
1. Sort imported clothing
2. Recycle unusable items
3. Upcycle materials that can't be remade into clothing
Once fully operational, we'll launch an educational program to teach students about sustainable fashion and circular economies, empowering them to create their own eco-friendly fashion products.
While the full facility will take 5-7 years to complete, we're starting with crucial first steps. We're currently in the Research & Development phase, requiring $300,000 to:
1. Gather essential data and statistics
2. Secure necessary documents and patents
3. Open a physical store to showcase and sell recycled products
This initial phase is vital for developing a solid plan before construction begins on our main recycling facility. Your support now will lay the foundation for our long-term success!
We've already made significant progress! Our team has created samples using 100% biodegradable recycled cotton, demonstrating the viability of our concept. We've even showcased these products at photo shoots in New York. Check out our gallery to see the potential of recycled fashion: Drive link.
As a token of our gratitude, supporters will receive exclusive rewards from our first line of recycled products, including shirts and bags. Additionally, we'll honor our most generous donors by featuring their names on our Supporter Wall of Fame.
Our passionate and skilled team is the driving force behind our mission. Meet our founders:
- Rowaiye Olanrewaju - 10 years experience in the fashion industry, masters in international trade and bachelors in economics, fashion designer, and an entrepreneur.
- Lin Sheppard - 53 years as a successful businessman who has run a number of businesses and who holds an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
- Travis Robbins - 6 years of team management experience, service in the Marine Corps and founder of business scaling startup Pains To Profits.
- Clementina Martinez-Masarweh - Award-winning environmental filmmaker, a slow fashion designer, and a multidisciplinary artist who uses her skills to drive climate solutions and inspire action.
- The Christian Ministry Alliance - A registered 501(c)(3) Corporation with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service
Organizer
Lin Sheppard
Organizer
Buckingham Township, PA