Binning clothes to help needy

MELBOURNE:The Brotherhood of St Laurence (BSL) has put a call out for donations of quality clothing, accessories and textiles from the fashion industry.

The charity - best known in the fashion industry as owner of the Hunter Gatherer brand  -  had closed its kerbside collection bins in February and was keen to work with the fashion and textile inddustry to collect unwanted quality clothing, confirmed BSL executive director Tony Nicholson.

"Through recycling, rather than throwing out unwanted clothing and textiles, the industry can reduce its environmental impact and help disadvantaged peoples and families at the same time."

In the UK, a report had found that 1.9 million tonnes of textiles were disposed of in 2005 and that 1.2 tonnes went into the rubbish, Nicholson said.

"We are inviting businesses in Australia to lead the way in reducing landfill and waste by placing one or more of our collection bins in their offices."

The average quality of goods donated via businesses was far better than that of goods left in kerbside bins or dumped beside them, he said.

"While most people are careful to leave only good quality unwanted goods, the cost of dealing with substandard goods and outright rubbish unfortunately outweighs the benefits of the donations. Each pick-up of dumped rubbish from kerbside bins was costing the Brotherhood hundreds of dollars."

Businesses interested in having a BSL bin on their premises should contact Melinda Jones on 03 9484 2484 or email mjones@bsl.org.au