Clothes swap to help the community cut down on waste

BALLINA Shire Council is hosting a community clothes swap and mending workshop to help people save money ahead of Christmas while cutting down on waste and its impact on the environment.

The Clothes Swap and Creative Mending Workshop will be held at Ignite Studios on Saturday December 6.

Council’s resource recovery education officer Justine Rowe said the average Australian buys 55 new items of clothing each year, with about 6000 kg of clothing sent to landfill every 10 minutes across the country.

“In Ballina alone, textiles make up 8 per cent of the average kerbside landfill bin,” she said.

“Our clothes swap and mending workshop is designed to tackle these challenges by encouraging a circular and sharing economy.

 

“It’s a great opportunity for the community to refresh their wardrobe for summer, learn valuable repair skills, and connect with others in a fun and sustainable way.”

Mending is a cost-effective and creative way to reduce textile waste and extend the life of clothes.

Local maker Corinne Wilson will run a drop-in visible mending and repair space on the day.

The event is free and offers people the chance to find unique garments, learn more about waste and help those in need of clothes.

All clothing supplied for the swap is clean and suited to a wide range of body types, with availability depending on what participants bring.

Participants need to drop off their clothing in exchange for tokens before the event.

“Bring one or two items to repair, mend something you’ve found at the swap, or simply stop by to watch and join the conversation,” Rowe said.

“No sewing experience is needed, and all tools and materials are supplied.”

The state government has provided a $32,400 grant under the third round of the Local Government Waste Solutions Fund to help council run the event for a second straight year.