With more than 220,000 tonnes ending up in landfills each year, textile waste is one of New Zealand’s waste streams that is rising the quickest.
In just one week, 4.3 tonnes of recyclable textiles are disposed of in the Waip district alone.
Shelley Wilson, a waste minimization assistant for the Waip District Council, said they were committed to reducing the amount of clothing, rags, towels, and linen that was being thrown away.
The simple act of avoiding purchasing clothing from brands that don’t make their goods ethically is one approach to reduce waste, but there are other options as well.
“Considering where you get your clothing is really crucial. Some shoppers may prioritise buying used items, while others may prioritise purchasing clothing that was made in New Zealand or that was ethically produced. We will discuss our alternatives as we prepare for our forthcoming activities.
“At the same time, more individuals are becoming receptive to the concept of secondhand shopping. ‘Fast fashion’ is another major issue we face. It is a significant issue we must address,”
During Slow Fashion September, the Waste Minimization Team hosted three events in the Waip region, one of which was online so that participants could participate from a distance.
“We want all of our events to be entertaining while also being educational so that we can improve everyone’s skills,”
