Two newer additions to Casual Adventure’s staff: Izzy Oliver and Adam Norrbom, next to the sock collection box.
  

Casual Adventure

3451 Washington Blvd., Arlington, Va 22201

703-527-0600

Arlington’s Casual Adventure outfitters is once again teaming up with Smartwool for their fourth consecutive year in an Earth Day-inspired recycling initiative. Now through April 22, residents can drop off their clean, used socks at the designated in-store collection site. Smartwool will repurpose the fabric into new socks as part of their "Second Cut" project.

Stern said, “Smartwool made dog beds from recycled socks the past few years. This year they have introduced the 2nd Cut Project Hike Sock. Smartwool said, ‘The iconic fit and feel of our first sock, now with circular yarn made in the USA from a 50-50 blend of sock waste and responsibly sourced Merino wool.’”

In addition to promoting outdoor enthusiasm, Casual Adventure is committed to environmental sustainability through recycling efforts. As a single store, Casual Adventure has collected more socks in aggregate weight than any other participating vendor since the inception of this Smartwool recycling event. 

This year, owner Eric Stern expressed his desire to break his past record by urging the entire community to participate, especially local youth sports leagues, scouts, schools, and outdoor organizations. “Spring cleaning is the perfect time to find a new home for all your mismatched, single, hole-ridden, or unused socks. If they’re clean, bring them in so we can recycle them. We’ve had a terrific response from our customers and the community over the past few years collecting several hundred pounds of socks.” 

1. Clean socks only, please (please, please)

2. All brands, colors, sizes, and materials welcome (we’re not picky)

3. No rolled or paired socks, bags, rubber bands, paper clips (just single socks)

4. Bring your socks to Casual Adventure now through April 22, 2024

“It's crucial to recognize the significance of recycling initiatives like this. Socks are one of the most commonly discarded items of clothing, often ending up in landfills, where they contribute to the staggering 1.2 billion tons of greenhouse gasses released annually from textile production,” said Stern. “Smartwool's efforts have already prevented thousands of pounds of waste from reaching landfills, showcasing the impactful role recycling plays in reducing environmental harm.”

Casual Adventure has supported local causes and the environment for decades. They collect lightly used, clean clothing year round. “The donation closet is located in the lower room by the baseball section of the store, or their friendly staff can help if needed,” said Stern. Although recently they donated to a clothing swap run by Eco-Action Arlington and Students for Climate Action, they regularly give the recycled clothing to the following organizations: clothing and footwear - Path Forward; youth clothing and footwear - The Clothesline; Sporting Equipment - Leveling the Playing Field; and Camping Equipment - Scouts BSA and Girl Scouts USA.

For more about Casual Adventure, see: Casual Adventure Outfitters 

For more about Smartwool’s efforts see: https://www.smartwool.com/second-cut/sustainability.html