If you’re getting ready to put away your winter clothes, discard unwanted items, or make new fashion purchases for spring, then you’ll want to think thrice!
Metro Vancouver has once again launched the annual Think Thrice About Your Clothes campaign that aims to reduce textile waste and encourage reusing and repurposing fashion. Collectively, Metro Vancouver residents throw out an average of 20,000 kilograms of textiles each year, equating to the weight of 44 t-shirts per person. However, there are ways to reduce clothing waste, like choosing higher quality clothing that will last longer instead of purchasing fast fashion items which are less expensive but wear out faster. Buying second-hand, caring for and repairing clothing items, and putting used clothing in the donation or recycle stream also benefit the community and the environment by reducing overall waste.
Public opinion research conducted by Metro Vancouver suggests people are likely to donate clothing they no longer need, but 40% of respondents were unclear what can or can’t be donated. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted some clothing donation or recycling services in the region, so call ahead prior to making a drop-off to make sure it can be received.
Want more tips?
Join Metro Vancouver for interactive Facebook Live events every Wednesday in March. Submit your questions in real time while learning about sustainable fashion, online thrift shopping, and more. Follow Metro Vancouver on Facebook to receive events invites and notifications on these virtual events.
Find more tips and information on reducing clothing waste at www.clothesarentgarbage.ca.
