GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) - A north Florida artisan is keeping old and worn gear discarded by firefighters from the landfill and recycling it to make tote bags, wallets and oven mitts.
Gainesville’s Rescue Threads cuts up the thick, yellow firefighting suits and sews them into new items to sell online through the arts and crafts retailer Etsy.
Eventually, profits from the endeavor will go to small or volunteer fire departments that lack money for new gear. Firefighting gear is supposed to be replaced every 10 years or sooner.
The Gainesville Sun reports (https://bit.ly/1ERjug3 ) that the nonprofit has received old gear from departments as far north as Maine.
Founder Peter Alcorn and his assistant Josh Jost also make toilet kits, key chains and duffel bags.
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Information from: The Gainesville (Fla.) Sun, https://www.gainesvillesun.com
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