We had the good fortune of connecting with Fazeel Lakhani and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Fazeel, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Reuse TRS was born during the pandemic. A number of non-profits were struggling to raise funds for their day to day activity. Daya Houston and Child advocates had more clients that needed help. Reuse Textile Recycling Services converts textile donations into $ for non – profits. The model is simple, people would go to out website and sign up. During the sign up process, they would pick charity of choice from our list of partner charities. ReuseTRS will pick up the donations from the donors house and pay the non-profit for the donations. Its a win – win. Our business keeps millions of pounds of clothing away from landfills each year and provided funding to non-profits in our community that are helping victims of domestic violence, child abuse etc.

What should our readers know about your business?
ReUse Textile Recycling Services provides textile recycling services to the Houston metro and surrounding areas. Our textile collection process generates thousands of dollars for our partners while reducing environmental impact and operational costs. We partner with local nonprofit organizations to collect used clothing and home goods. Our proceeds directly support the mission and efforts of Houston nonprofit organizations.

Our organization collectively diverts 20 million pounds of textiles away from US landfills each year. Most of the clothing is re-worn, reused and or converted into something useful. Every business has its own set of challenges. However, the key to our success has been the drive to be successful, to create a meaningful social enterprise and to empower non-profits that do phenomenal work.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There is a lot to do in Houston. I am a big foodie so I would certainly visit restaurants like Uchi for suchi, MAD for Spanish fusion food, Pasha for Mediterranean food and Aghas for Indian/Pakistani food. I would also check out the Museum district, Houston Art Murals and the Buffalo Bayou Park. I feel that Moody Gardens, Galveston and Keemah boardwalk are great places to visit. I would certainly include them in a week long trip.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My co-founder, Zulfiqar Khandwala, who is a 3rd generation textile recycler. Also, I would like to recognize non-profit organizations like Daya Houston, Child Advocates, Houston Habitat for Humanity and all the other non-profit organizations that have partnered with us to make ReuseTRS a reality.

Website: www.reusetrs.com

Instagram: @reusetrs

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