Did you know, more than 20,000 tonnes of textile waste go to landfill annually in Greater Vancouver alone?*
This number is shocking, but also represents an opportunity. We each have the opportunity to take action in our own closets, by exploring options outside of disposal. According to WRAP UK’s research, extending the life of a garment by just 9 months can reduce its carbon, waste and water footprint by up to 30%! That's an incredible impact that can happen right in our closets.
Before you donate or dispose of your clothing, consider whether it could be repaired or altered to extend its use. There are many great services locally to help you bring new life to your tired wardrobe. Support local AND reduce your closet’s impact, a win-win! Check out some of our favourites below:
Making a Mends
Self proclaimed “pants mechanic”, Making a Mends is a local Vancouver garment repairs and alterations provider, with a speciality for denim. Tears, rips and worn crotches, be gone!
Awl Together Leather
This queer owned repair shop in East Van specializes in leatherwork, shoe repair, alterations and redyes!
Renewt
Renewt specializes in repairs and alteration for technical apparel. Extend the life of your outdoor gear, and get back to adventuring!
The Kick’s Doctor
Local Vancouver startup Kicks Doctor will bring your worn sneakers back to life! Those mud stained white shoes will look as good as new after a trip to the Doctor.
Think Thrice
Think Thrice is Metro Vancouver’s campaign for reducing textile waste to landfill. Use their free online resource library to learn how to mend and alter your clothes.
Sateen Alterations
This humble repair shop in North Van is committed to helping you Repair, Recycle, Reclaim or Repurpose your old garments. They also offer a “Teddy Bear hospital” service for loved stuffed animals.
Nika Designs
Located in Gastown, Nika Designs is committed to preserving artisanal crafts such as leatherwork, as a method to combat the rise of fast fashion. They can fix just about anything made of leather, including shoes, jackets, handbags and other accessories.
Frameworq
Frameworq is a nonprofit committed to combatting textile waste by building communities and education around repair. Check out their website for upcoming Textile Fix-It events near you!
How do you give your old clothing a new life? We would love to hear about your favourite resources.
*From our 2018 White Paper Unravelling the Problem of Apparel Waste in the Greater Vancouver Area
Written by Megan Bourassa