Turn it into a piece of art.
A ‘re-fashioned’ upcycling workshop at the Echuca Library as a part of the 10th birthday celebrations will be held on Saturday, August 27.
The community is invited to take part in decorating “The Belonging Tree” that Community Living & Respite Services Recyclability team created with denim textile waste, and are also invited to donate their unwearable denim in the lead up to the day.
The tree will highlight how we can divert fabric from going to landfill and will continue to adorn the library and be a welcoming spot to read a book under.
This workshop is run by Katrina Naish, who seeks to inspire the next generation to see textile waste as a resource, and to be more mindful of fashion consumption.
Mrs Naish has worked in the fashion industry for over 20 years, and recently pivoted her business ‘A Fitting Connection’ to focus on sustainability, after becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the fashion industry’s role as a major polluter.
“I never felt comfortable with the amount of waste being created when clothes are manufactured, and when they are discarded through the ever-faster cycle of fashion,” Mrs Naish said.
“In Australia, 31kg of textile waste is going to landfill for every person, every year. I find this absolutely shocking, and have decided to use my industry knowledge to help change this.”
As well as running one-off workshops, Mrs Naish also works with schools to create products for fundraising purposes, and hosts a seasonal clothing swap market.
“Our workshops and initiatives are designed to create awareness and start conversations,” she said.
“I’m particularly focused on getting our youngsters involved. They have a huge passion for environmental causes, and I want to give them the skills they need to bring about change.
“Even better, the kids get to walk away with something they can enjoy, like a football.
“These workshops are not just educational, the kids love them because they’re satisfying and fun.”
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