IN Victoria alone, it is estimated households are throwing out more than half a million tonnes of clothing – enough to fill the Melbourne Cricket Ground two and a half times – every single year.
While this figure is daunting, a local initiative aims to protect the environment, while raising much-needed funds for a worthwhile community cause.
Kerang’s Bus Stop Recycle Shop annual Town Garage Sale helps prevent clothing and any extra otherwise disposable items from ending up in landfill.
Set to celebrate its third year, the Town Garage Sale has been a huge success in the past and will once again take place next month.
The event aims to create change within the community and make “reusing items cool again”.
President of the Bus Stop Recycle Shop, Carol Barton, believes that by contributing and buying from their store, community members will prevent items heading to landfill and in-turn help benefit the district they live in.
“Our entire shop is basically saved items that would otherwise end up in landfill,” Ms Barton said.
“I think now more than ever it’s important for us to really think about our purchasing habits so that we can reduce our impact on the environment.”
With preparations in full swing, community members are urged to register their garage sale with the op shop.
Participants can host a garage sale at their own premises or take part in a car boot sale, which takes place at the front of the shop.
“Last year we had lots of people register and we had a lot of fun with it,” Ms Barton said.
“Everyone better start doing a big overhaul of their cupboards, because giving your items a new home to be reused, is better than just throwing them away.”
The Kerang Bus Stop Recycle shop, located in Nolan Street, has been in operation for five years and only continues to benefit the community.
With events such as the Town Garage Sale, Ms Barton said profits were used to “give back to the community”.
“The Kerang Bus Stop Recycle Shop also of course raises money for the Shire of Gannawarra community, so really it’s a win-win for everyone,” she said.
“We have managed to purchase both a community bus and caddy for people to use, as well as always making sure we leave cash to donate to local clubs and services.
