Each Year, NSW Generates Over 305,000 Tonnes Of Textile Waste

Dear Editor,

Each year, NSW generates over 305,000 tonnes of textile waste, with 236,000 tonnes ending up in landfill. As Australia’s largest second-hand shopping event, Garage Sale Trail, approaches, I am reminded of how a simple choice to buy pre-loved clothing can make a real difference.

Australians consume more new textiles per capita than any other country, with 97% of our clothes imported. This means we need to rethink our relationship with cloth­ing. Here in NSW, organisations like Seam­less, are dedicated to transforming how we make, use, and recycle clothing to achieve a circular community by 2030.

The facts are clear, 77% of textiles are sent to landfill each year. With the right ac­tions, we can change our clothing habits to improve economic, social, and environ­mental outcomes.

By joining a local Garage Sale Trail event in the Central West, we can bring our com­munities together and take a small yet im­pactful step toward sustainability.

Choosing second-hand is a powerful way each of us can support a healthier planet.

Alexandra Geddes,
Executive Director, Programs and Innovation, NSW EPA