The City of Stonnington is well known for its pockets of high-end fashion retailers, with many residents choosing to shop locally, rather than battle traffic and parking in the city.
We are also fast becoming recognised for being home to a host of unique retailers and organisations, who have taken the leap and stepped outside of the box to embrace a 'recycle, reuse, re-love' philosophy to clothing retail.
What is the 'recycle, reuse, re-love' philosophy?
It's all about valuing our resources, in this case clothing, and making the most of them for as long as possible.
Recycle – Where items are not fit for wear, textile recycling organisations are on hand to give them a second life.
Reuse – Op shops on-sell used wearable items, for their new owner to enjoy.
Re-love – Retail stores that sell or hire pre-loved items for customers to love all over again.
Why is it important?
According to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), every Australian throws away around 23kgs of clothing each year, most of which ends up in landfill. A small portion is donated to charity organisations, but the majority becomes 'waste'.
Customers are becoming more aware of the impact their purchasing behaviour is having on the environment, choosing to make more sustainably minded choices and seeking out alternatives to 'fast fashion'.
How to support the three-R philosophy to clothing retail in Stonnington
The City of Stonnington is fortunate to have a wide selection of textile and clothing businesses, organisations and charities that have adopted the three-R philosophy.
Stonnington is home to a range of vintage boutiques and op shops. Some stores, including Goodbyes and Secondo, curate high quality, pre-loved garments for resale, while others, such as the Salvos, the Sacred Heart Mission and the Toorak Op Shop accept donations of items in good condition.
With more and more fashion retailers adopting a circular economy ethos, visit Recycling Near You to find out where your closest textile recycling drop-off locations are, and which retailers offer a sustainable solution for your preloved clothing.
Making the right choices when shopping and knowing how to responsibly add to your wardrobe is just as important:
- Shop your own wardrobe or share clothes with friends and family
- Consider hiring clothes for special occasions instead of buying new
- Shop smart, only buy clothes that fit you and that you can see yourself wearing for a long time
- Get your clothing repaired or learn how to mend items yourself
Enjoy your UPPAREL discount
The City of Stonnington is excited to partner with textile recovery and recycling organisation UPPAREL.
Clothing and other textiles (even clean underwear and shoes) that are too worn to be donated or reused can be recycled by UPPAREL and turned into stuffing for pillows and furniture, insulation and cleaning rags.
UPPAREL are offering our community a limited number of $10 discount vouchers. Fill out the form to receive your discount.
