How about you? Research shows that 34% of Dutch people have outdoor clothing in their wardrobe that they no longer use. A real shame! Bever wants to do something about it and has come up with smart initiatives to give your old outdoor clothing and outdoor gear a new life. Curious to find out how?
Beaver initiatives for more sustainable outdoor living
In collaboration with Bever
Bever makes it easier than ever to use your outdoor equipment sustainably. So dive into your closets, attic or garage and give your old outdoor gear a new life. Outdoor clothing that is still in good condition and can go right back into the shop with a little washing or repair will even be bought back by Bever. Is reuse not possible? Then you can still hand them in for recycling. It's a shame to leave them lying around unused, isn't it? Because your stuff deserves more adventures! Below is an overview of the initiatives.
At Bever, you can hand in old outdoor gear you no longer use for recycling. Some outdoor clothing that is still in very good condition and can be returned to the shop with a wash or minor repair will even be bought back from you at the Bever shop in Utrecht (St. Jacobsstraat) and in Houten.
Beaver Buys Back
Do you still have good usable outdoor clothing that you no longer use? At Bever you can hand them in and they will get a second chance. At the moment, this service is available in the Houten and Utrecht St. Jacobsstraat shops, but keep the socials keep an eye out, as Bever also organises regular national trade-in promotions. Think, for example, of the For Future Fridays action around Black Friday, where you can hand in your clothes at all Beaver shops. This was very successful in 2024 with no less than 4,400 kilos of clothes collected and 1,500 garments bought back. Ideal for that fleece jumper that has become too small or hiking boots that just don't sit well. A shame to leave them lying around, right? Hand them in at Bever, earn something from them, and give them a new life with another outdoor enthusiast.
Out-of-use drop-off point
At all Beaver shops, you can visit the Buiten-Gebruikt drop-off point throughout the year to hand in old outdoor clothing and equipment. These items end up in the reuse street in Pijnacker, where they are collected and sorted. In 2021, more than ten thousand kilos of clothing, shoes and other outdoor gear were already handed in, and in 2022 this grew to almost thirty thousand kilos. Products that are still in good condition will be given a place in the 2e Buitenkans collection and are sold at a special price in shops. Other items get a special destination. For example, shoes go to employees of Fun Forest, sleeping bags are made into coats for the homeless through the Sheltersuit Foundation, and with Blue LOOP Originals and Fraenck materials such as wool, jeans and tents are transformed into new clothing or travel accessories or new clothes from the Outdoor Man collection. See what all you can submit and what happens to it.
Laundry service for outdoor jackets and sleeping bags
Proper maintenance extends the life of your outdoor equipment. That is why Bever offers a professional laundry service for your outdoor jacket or sleeping bag. Hand in your items at the Service & Maintenance desk in one of the shops, and Bever will make sure they are clean, fresh and waterproof again for your next adventure. See more about this service.
Shoe care service
The most durable shoes? You already wear those! So be careful with them. Bever is also the right place to look after your hiking boots. With the shoe care service, your shoes are professionally cleaned and maintained, so they last longer and stay comfortable. Bring your shoes to a Beaver shop and let the experts take care of them. See more about the shoe care service.
Give your outdoor clothing and outdoor products a second chance at Bever
Whether you choose to return, sell or recycle, Bever makes it easy to use your outdoor equipment sustainably. Who knows, you might see your handed-in gear again: a jacket in the 2e Buitenkans collection, or that bright pink tent as a bag or rain poncho. It's a nice thought that your old stuff doesn't go to waste, but contributes to new adventures, for you or someone else. So what are you waiting for? Bring your outdoor gear to Bever and give it the future it deserves!
More relaxation tips from thegreenlist.nl
- Also see: tidying up your wardrobe in four steps.
- Also see: 5 tidying-up tips for a more sustainable life.
Photo credits: main photo: thegreenlist.nl, shop photo: Veerle Sloof, other: thegreenlist.nl.
