Fight Fashion Waste

New clothes, rescued from potential landfill, available at no cost to those who need it most. That is the Mission of the Australian initiative “Thread Together” which partners with charities to clothe people doing it tough.

Thread Together is the only organisation in Australia whose main mission and focus is to source new and excess clothing from fashion retailers and redistribute items to those in our communities that need it most. Founded in 2012 by Andie Halas, former shareholder of Seafolly, Thread Together embodies her vision of ensuring unsold clothes can go to support people in need. By collaborating with some of Australia’s largest clothing suppliers and social service agencies, Thread Together changes not just the future of the clothes but also the futures of people in crisis. In five years they have distributed over $8 million worth of new clothing to people in our community who are vulnerable and in need. Working with around 40 fashion partners, more than one million items of clothing have been diverted from landfill, and more than 300,000 people have benefited. “Our model is very simple,” says founder, Andie Halas. “We collect end-of-line brand new stock from clothing providers. With the support of volunteers, the clothes are sorted by age, gender, and purpose, and then re-distributed to people in need through charities across Australia. I think of it as redistributive justice.” An increasing number of Australians do not have access to essential clothing. According to the Social Policy Research Centre report of 2016, 2.99 million people (13.3 percent of the population), are living below the poverty line. Thread Together is currently supporting the people who are homeless, youth at risk, Indigenous communities, survivors of domestic violence, refugees or long term unemployed. People in need of comfortable clothing to enable them to feel safe and warm, or people seeking clothing for a new job. Men, women and children that are finding themselves in a tough spot, are welcomed to choose a complete new set of clothes. This is facilitated through our Wardrobe Initiatives and Clothing Hubs. This has resulted in tonnes of new clothing being diverted from landfill to date. As well as helping us achieve our mission, it has cemented Thread Together as an effective solution for the textile waste problem in Australia. In 2020, Thread Together opened a warehouse and fulfilment centre to continue their work. CEO of Thread Together, Anthony Chesler and Founder, Andie Halas said “The new warehouse will enable Thread Together to continue their mission to being the most ethical response to excess fashion waste in Australia”. “The new facility in Banksmeadow (NSW) will future proof Thread Together for the next three years, the additional capacity enabling the charity to efficiently manage the growing needs of the organisation in supporting vulnerable Australians.”

More at threadtogether.org

good vibrations

NOVOFIT, an Australian global fitness brand, has added Power Plate MINI+ to its targeted vibration product line.

With portable mobility and extended power, the Mini+ offers maximum massaging capabilities with a quiet, ultra-compact design Designed as a quiet, ultra-compact, portable handheld massager, the Mini+ perfectly fits in a backpack or small gym bag, making for the ideal fitness accessory for everyday life on the go. Mini+ stays true to Power Plate’s mission to offer the most technologically advanced vibration performance products on the market. It was specifically designed by Power Plate to enhance range of motion for precise usability and functionality. Mini+ works quietly to relax and rejuvenate tight and sore muscles by promoting blood flow and fascia release. In addition, Mini+ relieves overall muscle tension and helps reduce potential for exercise related injuries. Power Plate Mini+ offers a longer lasting 5-hour battery life and USB-C charging capabilities, making it ideal for mobility and convenience when needed most. The Mini+ also features four intensity levels and includes two unique attachments to better suit individual preferences for both preparation and recovery. RRP $299. Visit powerplate.com.au for information retail locations.

Enter to win: To win a Power Plate MINI+ from NOVOFIT, valued at $299, email the prize name POWER PLATE MINI+ and your contact details by 13th October 2021 to competition@ labelmagazine.com.au

WIN

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