Value Village Brings Attention to Textiles Reuse, Convening Leaders in Toronto

TORONTO, June 23, 2016 /CNW/ — Value Village with the National Zero Waste Council facilitated a conversation on how to mitigate clothing and textile waste. Members from business, nonprofit organizations, government and academic institutions discussed the state of reuse in Canada and the role of the circular economy in the textile and fashion industries.

Each year, people consume more than 80 billion pieces of new clothing, making the clothing industry one of the world’s biggest polluters. According to a recent study, commissioned by Value Village, not only are people buying more goods, they are also throwing used goods in the trash. In fact, the average Canadian admitted to throwing away over three bags worth of unwanted clothing just this year.

“Value Village convened this conversation on textile waste and reuse to further call attention to the amount of unwanted, or unneeded, clothing and textiles that are ending up in the waste stream. In working with the National Zero Waste Council, we want to take a step forward to motivate both consumers and corporations to make changes that will have a positive and significant impact on our environment.” – Tony Shumpert, Vice President, Recycling and Reuse, Value Village

“To move Canada toward a green economy, it’s critical we collaborate across sectors. This will help us develop new solutions to minimize waste generation and encourage a culture of reuse in textiles, alongside greater recycling.” – Councillor Mike Layton, City of Toronto, and Board Member, National Zero Waste Council

The conversation around textile waste was further heightened through the visually-compelling Value Village Give a Sh!rt artistic installation in Yonge-Dundas Square. The piece, which drew tens of thousands of visitors throughout the day, represented the amount of water used in the textile manufacturing process, which can use up to 700 gallons to produce one t-shirt. Value Village has successfully inspired the public to recognize the massive impact of their clothing footprint and encouraged them to Rethink Reuse.

Visit www.rethinkreuse.ca to learn more about Value Village’s Rethink Reuse campaign and #GiveaSht!rt.