Op shopping isn’t just about snagging a good deal – it’s also a powerful way to help protect our planet.
Fast fashion, the overwhelmingly predominant way that most Australians purchase clothing, continues to take a dangerous toll on our environment.
In Australia, popular retailers like Cotton On, H&M, and Zara offer trendy clothing at low prices by prioritising speed and affordability over sustainability.
Did you know that Australia ranks as the second-largest consumer of textiles per person in the world, second only to the United States?
This is because:
- On average, each Australian buys 27kg of new clothing and textiles annually
- The average Australian also disposes 23kg annually into landfill
- Collectively, this adds up to a staggering 6,000kg of clothing and textile waste being dumped into landfills every 10 minutes.
So, what’s the solution for where affordability meets sustainability? Your local op shop.
When you make a purchase from an op shop, you’re extending the lifespan of clothing and other items. Thrifting encourages mindful consumption, fostering creativity and individual expression through unique finds while reducing the demand for new goods.
What does this look like at Cancer Wellness Support?
Within our two op shops at Katoomba and Penrith, a genuine circular economy exists to benefit our people, our community and our environment.
We repurpose and keep items out of landfill, provide stunning pieces at an incredibly low cost for our local community, and generate the finances that we need.
We reinvest all of our profits into supporting local people living with cancer and their families, with $35 spent in our op shops being the equivalent of one complementary therapy session.
Our approach is not just about selling goods but fostering a community of support where everyone benefits – from those seeking affordable items to our local community and the environment we all share.
By purchasing enduring pieces and fostering their longevity, you too can actively combat the wasteful cycle of fast fashion and steer clear of contributing to landfills.
