Did you know? Kamloops residents discard 3.4 million kg of textiles—clothing, shoes, linens, towels, bags, and blankets—each year? That’s an average of 37 kg of textiles per resident that could have been repurposed.
When we recycle textiles, we save resources and reduce waste. For example, it takes 2,600 L of water to make one new t-shirt, and 85% of unwanted garments end up in landfills.
Reduce Textile Waste by Hosting a Clothing Swap
Hosting a clothing swap with friends or co-workers is a win-win—you can clear out unused items from your closet, score some free new-to-you items, and help keep textiles out of the landfill.
A City of Kamloops volunteer committee recently set up a swap for staff and collected over 370 lb. of adult and children’s clothing and toys for the event. All items were free, and donations were not required to shop. Unclaimed items were donated to a second-hand store.
Tips for hosting a clothing swap:
• Let your group know what you’re planning and put out a call for items. Ask people to gather up used clothing and/or toys in good condition (i.e. not ripped or stained). Provide a drop-off location(s) ahead of time.
• Determine a place and time for the event. Consider how you’ll make use of the space to spread items out. Workplace tip: try to find a space that can be used over a couple of days to give staff a wide range of times to stop by.
• Reserve some time to organize the donations ahead of time. Decide how you will display items, bring in some hangers, and get creative. Tip: a coat rack is a bonus to display longer items.
• Promote your swap! Put up posters, send an email, post on your company’s intranet, etc.
• Donate any leftover items to a second-hand store or a textile recycling bin.
Other ways you can reduce your textile footprint is by purchasing quality garments that will last longer, extending the life of your clothing by removing stains and making simple repairs, and buying second hand.
For more information:
Kamloops.ca/WasteReduction
Kamloops.ca/Textiles
CircularEconomyMonth.ca
