Thrifty Threads event-goers helped raise $28,500 for Hospice Waikato and divert 24,000kg of clothing from landfill, proving that fashion can be both fun and meaningful.
The collaborative event hosted by Hamilton City Council, Hospice Waikato, Sip & Sew Workshops, Recreators, and Serving Up T earlier this month saw more than 1,700 people in attendance across the three-day Thrifty Threads.
Council’s Head of Resource Recovery Sarah Wilson shares how shopping second hand makes use of the clothing that’s already in circulation.
“Hospice Waikato brought 24,000kg of clothing to the event and a good portion of that was given a second home.”
Each year, New Zealand sends around 180 million kilograms of textile waste to landfill — approximately 34kg per person.
Attendees first walked through an interactive education space featuring art panels made from 100% recycled textile material supplied by ImpacTex. A fast fashion dress was also on display, with rubbish strewn across its train to symbolise how fast fashion often ends up in landfill due to its plastic content.
“We had some great conversations with people about sustainable fashion, sparked by the displays in the education space.
“Along with the main event, our partners hosted some great workshops and demonstrations that highlighted how easy it can be to upcycle and mend clothing,” said Wilson.
Reducing waste to landfill, including clothing, is a key action in Council’s 2024-30 Waste Management and Minimisation Plan.