Whittlesea Council will be hosting three free recycling events to mark National Recycling Week and to help residents repurpose old textiles into beautiful and useful new items.
National Recycling Week celebrates the positive impact recycling has on our environment and economy and takes place from November 13 to 19.
City of Whittlesea Acting Chair Administrator, Peita Duncan, encouraged people to get involved in these free events.
“Currently 85 per cent of all textiles go to landfill each year. We’re encouraging people to think about reusing and repurposing textiles in a fun and creative way,” she said.
“Not only will you help reduce the amount of waste that is destined for landfill, you will also come away with something beautiful to keep.
“Council is committed to creating a sustainable environment and helping people see ways they can get involved and make a difference too. Recycling not only keeps valuable materials out of landfill but also benefits the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
On Monday, November 13, the Lalor Library is hosting a Rag Roping event from 6pm-8pm.
Participants are encouraged to bring in old clothes and fabric and give it a second life, making coasters and baskets out of the material.
On Thursday, November 16, the Whittlesea Community Activity Centre is hosting a Whimsicial Waste Weaving Workshop from 10am-noon.
In this workshop, participants will learn how to make a loom from items lying around the house, before trying various weaving techniques and knotting styles.
Participants will also experiment with colour and texture, resulting in a beautiful, unique wall hanging to take home.
To close out the week, the Painted Hills Community Pavillion in Doreen will host a Circular Fashion Market on Saturday, November 18, from 9am-1pm.
The market boasts a wide range of pre-loved clothing that is both affordable and sustainable.
It is aiming to reduce fast fashion and give clothes a second life.
Also at the market will be activities for all ages, including sewing workshops, style workshops, face painting and more.
Gerald Lynch
