Suzanne Orr MLA to introduce a motion calling on the ACT Government to work with the local textile sector and implement a plan to reduce textile waste as part of the draft circular economy strategy.

The motion will ensure the ACT Government explores ways to re-use textiles. The considerations may include systems such as clothes swaps, re-purposing of textiles such through upcycling into new products, and implementing ways to recycle textiles that cannot be re-used or re-purposed.

Australia is the second highest consumer of textiles per person in the world, with Australians on average acquiring 27 kilograms of new clothing per person and discarding around 23 kilograms of clothing to landfill each year.

Ms Orr is confident the introduction of this motion will help explore the possibility of a textiles hub in the ACT to support local designers, crafts people, and industries to realise circular economy opportunities as well as to educate the broader community on circular economy possibilities.

“Each person discarding 23 kilograms of clothing waste to landfill yearly is very concerning. I want to explore how we can help minimise unnecessary waste going to landfill, and help to support our local textile sector at the same time,” Suzanne Orr MLA.

Creating a circular economy provides significant opportunity to drive innovation and better design, to create new jobs, and to recover valuable resources going to landfill.

“Alarmingly, at a state and federal Government levels in Australia, there is currently no formal process for dealing with waste from the textile sector. This is another opportunity for the ACT to lead the way and show the other states and territories how it’s done”.

Kelli Donovan, founder and CEO of Pure Pod, a Canberra sustainable fashion business welcomes the motion and recognises the positive impacts it will have on the environment.

“1 in 3 garments bought in Australia are thrown into landfill within a short period of their life cycle, and our industry craftsmanship and knowledge is being disrespected by making clothing cheaper at unrealistic prices,” Kelli Donovan.

“By researching and working with fashion and textile industry experts we can deliver new innovative programs for reducing and recycling textile waste which will bring new industry and employment to our beautiful bush capital. We are a proud city dedicated to lowering emissions towards climate change and being a leader in a cleaner environment”.

The motion will be introduced to the assembly on Tuesday 7 June.

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