OP SHOPS across the region are working towards a cheap and sustainable way to cut down on waste this year.<\/p>\n
The Northern Rivers Community Gallery hosted a community clothes swap and creative mending workshop at Ballina last month.<\/p>\n
It said the average Australian buys 56 new items of clothing each year, with 6000 kg of clothing being sent to landfill every 10 minutes.<\/p>\n
In the Ballina Shire alone, textiles make up eight per cent of the average kerbside landfill bin.<\/p>\n
According to opshop.org, there are more than 50 registered op shops across the Northern Rivers, not including several independent and outdoor pop-up operations.<\/p>\n
TAFE NSW fashion teacher, Deborah Hatley said with increased awareness around sustainability, many people are embracing op shopping as a stylish and eco-friendly alternative to fast fashion.<\/p>\n
Fast fashion, while cheap, will often see garments and materials quickly discarded and sent to waste.<\/p>\n
Ms Hatley compiled a list of fashion trends and what to look for when visiting an op shop.<\/p>\n
“Op shopping offers a tangible solution to the challenges of disposable fashion,” she said.<\/p>\n
“Gen Z and millennials are looking to save money while prioritising the environment.<\/p>\n
“Denim is never out of fashion, and the op shops provide a wealth of material. Look for old jeans to cut up and repurpose into tops, skirts, or dresses.”<\/p>\n
The post-Christmas season is one of the busiest times of year for op shops who receive a large amount of donated goods through the school holidays.<\/p>\n
The community is reminded to not drop off excess garbage or damaged goods.<\/p>\n
It is recommended that people donate items during opening hours and in donation bins that are not overflowing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
OP SHOPS across the region are working towards a cheap and sustainable way to cut down on waste this year. The Northern Rivers Community Gallery hosted a community clothes swap and creative mending workshop at Ballina last month. It said the average Australian buys 56 new items of clothing each year, with 6000 kg of […]<\/p>\n