Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, September 13, 2023
In 1993, the Hamilton City Council established the Hamilton Community Environmental Programme. The Programme was based on growing community interest and developed into a forum comprised of members of existing environmental groups and organisations.
After 30 years, the Council’s environmental efforts have grown larger and have been applauded by the community at large for highlighting and supporting a regional ecosystem of communities, groups, ideas and projects that work towards healthy environments.
A positive initiative
Hamilton City Council has partnered with Go Eco and Hospice Waikato to bring ‘Let’s get Thrifty,’ a one-stop op-shop clothing experience at the Meteor Theatre on Victoria Street from September 14 to September 16, 2023.
A one-off shopping event in Hamilton Kirikiriroa will help reduce the 950,000kg of clothing Hamiltonians send to landfills each year through their red kerbside bins.
There will be a range of pre-loved clothing available for purchase from a selection of local thrift shops. Council and ‘Go Eco’ are also offering education about how easy it is to repurpose or repair some fabrics.
“When we buy thrifty threads (good from op-shops) we are reducing how much waste we send to landfill and supporting the waste pyramid guidelines that lead us towards waste reduction rather than disposal,” said Tania Hermann, Council’s Sustainable Resource Recovery Unit Director.
“We can reduce waste by buying what’s already in circulation, reuse by donating gently worn clothing for others to love, and repurpose – turning clothing into quilts, shopping bags or something equally amazing.”
An important Council goal
Let us get Thrifty is Hamilton’s answer to Second Hand September, originally a global Oxfam campaign to encourage reuse, re-wear and restyle. Reducing waste to landfill is an important goal of Council’s 2018 – 2024 Waste Management and Minimisation Plan.
Teresa Bidlake, Hospice Waikato Regional Retail Manager, said partnering with other Hamilton op shops is a wonderful opportunity they are excited to be a part of.
“We are thoroughly looking forward to helping Hamiltonians reduce waste and reuse great pieces of fashion,” she said.
“What a fabulous opportunity to move our surplus clothing stock with other charity shops in one space and encourage sustainable fashion in our community.”
About the Charities
Go Eco is a charitable trust with a vision of healthy environments supported by thriving communities. Their successful projects include ‘Kaivolution,’ a food rescue project in Hamilton where rescue and redistribute perfectly edible food from supermarkets, orchards and food producers. Instead of the food going to landfill, it feeds people in our region and reduces carbon emissions.
Some of the other projects by Go Eco include a Bike Hub, a Climate Action Hub, Bio-Diversity projects for the Waikato region and a climate response programme for small organisations to create a sustainability framework or a climate action plan to reduce emissions.
Hospice Waikato provides specialist community palliative care services to Waikato people who are living with a terminal illness. Hospice Waikato’s approach is holistic, recognising that one may need help with many things, both physical and emotional.
Through their ‘Hospice Shops,’ which encourage people to buy preloved clothes and items, they have created a strong link with the Waikato community. Profits from our Hospice Shops provide much-needed funds to help care for Waikato people, who are living with a terminal illness.
Get Thrifty to get involved
The event will take place from 4 pm to 8 pm on September 14, 2023, and 10 am to 4 pm on September 15 and 16, 2023.
It is a ticketed event with all proceeds being given to the participating thrift shop charities. The price of tickets is $20 per person or $10 for students (with valid ID). A maximum of five bags per person will be allowed. Visitors can bring their own bags, and reusable shopping bag size is recommended.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
