Melbourne
Practical ways to reduce fashion waste in Melbourne.
Wearable pieces can often find a second home. When clothing is truly worn out, textile recycling may be a kinder option than leaving it with charities who cannot resell it.
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A gentle starting point when you're deciding what to do next.
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Stained, torn, stretched, damaged or no longer realistically wearable.
When items aren't suitable for resale, textile recycling programmes may be a better fit than donation.
Paid service
Clothing generally isn't accepted in household yellow recycling bins.
Runners, sneakers, sports shoes and active footwear.
Specialist shoe recycling programmes are one way to keep footwear out of landfill.
Clean, wearable items someone would genuinely choose to wear.
If an item still has useful life, donation, resale, swapping or giving away can all work well.
Many charities appreciate items others would be happy to choose.
At a glance
When you're unsure, it can help to ask whether someone else might enjoy wearing it.
Context
Fast fashion often relies on speed, volume and low-cost production.
Charities often spend time sorting items that aren't suitable for resale — wearable donations tend to be especially welcome.
Textile and shoe recycling can divert material from landfill and give it another use.
Shop thoughtfully
No brand is perfect. These are examples of brands with stronger reputations for ethics, transparency, durability, repair, fair trade or circular design.
A long-running fair trade fashion brand focused on ethical production and artisan partnerships.
Visit People Tree (opens in new tab)Known for repair, durability, environmental advocacy and encouraging lower consumption.
Visit Patagonia (opens in new tab)Australian-founded denim brand with a focus on social impact and responsible production.
Visit Outland Denim (opens in new tab)Australian brand focused on fair trade, organic cotton and ethical supply chains.
Visit Etiko (opens in new tab)Australian-made T-shirts designed to reduce waste through made-to-order production.
Visit Citizen Wolf (opens in new tab)Melbourne circular fashion label focused on responsible materials and end-of-life design.
Visit A.BCH (opens in new tab)These are examples, not endorsements. It's worth checking current practices when you're ready to buy.
Slow fashion
There's no need to stop enjoying clothes — taking a little extra time with each decision can help.
Fewer purchases, considered choices, and longer wear can all make a difference.
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