Each year, Australians purchase 27kg of new textiles, and then discard around 23kg into landfills. This means over 6,000kg of textile and clothing waste is discarded every 10 minutes across the country.
With this in mind, Boody has partnered with UPPAREL to launch The Goodness Loop, as a way for consumers to have an immediate impact and close the loop on items they no longer wear, need or love. As a thank you, they are rewarded with $35 to spend on anything from the Boody range of sustainable basics.
The Goodness Loop is a simple two-step process, carefully designed to reduce any friction when it comes to closing the loop, according to Boody managing director, Shaun Greenblo.
“Just purchase a shipping label for $35, and we’ll then gift you $35 to redeem on anything from the Boody range. Print the label, securely pack items so they’re ready for collection and a courier will pick up the parcel. Closing the loop is as simple as that,” he said.
“By getting involved, you divert reusable materials from landfill and give them a new life — either reusing, upcycling or recycling. Our Goodness Loop program accepts most types of clothing, hats, wireless bras, swimwear, socks and stockings, shoes, linen, fabric mattress protectors and most old fabric. While we’ve got the bottom layer basics covered, we’re currently working on unlocking the underwear acceptance component — so stay tuned early next year.”
Depending on the quality of the clothing, it’s either reused, upcycled or recycled.
“For example, if your items are sent in a suitable condition, then we can donate them to one of our charity partners for someone else to love,” Greenblo said.
“If your items are past their prime, then we’ll work with our recycling partners to turn them into something new, like a kids couch sold through UPPAREL. Or, if your items are damaged, they can be used to create new yarn or shredded and used for things like insulation.
“For every 1kg of textiles we divert from landfills, we can prevent up to 4kg of greenhouse gases from polluting the atmosphere. The Goodness Loop makes closing the loop easy and takes the hassle out of determining whether to reuse, upcycle or recycle your textiles.”