Restyle Before You Buy - Reuse or Recycle Your Textiles

Torridge District Council is supporting 'Second Hand September' by encouraging residents to think twice before buying new clothes and textiles by embracing the idea of "Restyle Before You Buy."

With an average of 1.7kg of a person's textiles going in their black bags each year, fashion is becoming one of the fastest growing contributors to waste*. By restyling, repairing or repurposing existing items, residents can save money, reduce textile waste and help protect the environment.

Whether it's updating an outfit with accessories, upcycling an item to give it a fresh look or simply rediscovering forgotten pieces at the back of the wardrobe, small changes can make a big difference. With London Fashion Week coming up on the 18^th to the 22^nd of September, now is the perfect time to take inspiration and create some unique outfits.

Any textiles that cannot be repurposed or restyled can be donated to local charity shops and clothing banks or collected during Torridge's weekly recycling collection service.

Simply place recyclable items on top of paper inside the green bag, ensuring they are dry and clean. The Council accepts clothes, clean pairs of shoes, duvet and pillow covers, sheets and curtains. Up to 3 items can be accepted per collection. The Salvation Army will then sort the items for re-sale, donations or to be turned into rags. To find out more, visit www.salvationarmytrading.org.uk.

Councillor Chris Leather, Lead Member for Operational Services, Torridge District Council said:

"The amount of textiles that end up in our black bags each year is absolutely staggering.  As Summer turns to Autumn, many of us will find ourselves going through our wardrobes - so if you are having a sort out, try and repurpose or reuse your textiles and give them a new lease of life. If you find any unwanted textiles, we will ensure these are put to good use when you recycle them in your green bag."

*Source: www.wastemanaged.co.uk/our-news/retail/fashion-waste-facts-and-statistics/

Sept 25