Each year, NSW generates more than 305,000 tonnes of textile waste, with 236,000 tonnes ending up in landfill.
As Australia’s largest secondhand shopping event, Garage Sale Trail, approaches, I am reminded of how a simple choice to buy pre-loved clothing can make a real difference.
Australians consume more new textiles per capita than any other country, with 97 per cent of our clothes imported.
This means we need to rethink our relationship with clothing.
Here in NSW, organisations like Seamless are dedicated to transforming how we make, use, and recycle clothing to achieve a circular community by 2030.
The facts are clear; 77 per cent of textiles are sent to landfill each year.
With the right actions, we can change our clothing habits to improve economic, social, and environmental outcomes.
By joining a local Garage Sale Trail event on the Central Coast, we can bring our communities together and take a small yet impactful step toward sustainability.
Choosing second hand is a powerful way each of us can support a healthier planet.
Email, Nov 5
Alexandra Geddes, Executive Director, Programs and Innovation, NSW EPA
Editor’s note: Seek out local events on November 9-10 and 16-17 by searching ‘garage sale trail’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au