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Textiles Tuesday: Reducing Waste and Supporting Communities

October 22, 2024

As we celebrate Textiles Tuesday as part of Waste Reduction Week, it’s important to think about how we handle our clothing and textiles. A recent study from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)1 shows that of the 1.3 million tonnes of used apparel generated annually, a staggering 76% ends up in landfills—nearly one million tonnes each year.

With such a large volume of clothing going to waste, Canadians can turn to our Thrift Stores as a meaningful way to give their pre-loved items a second life and contribute to a greener community. “Your unwanted clothing and household items have the potential to become someone else’s treasure,” says Ted Troughton, Managing Director at The Salvation Army Thrift Store. “By donating to The Salvation Army, you’re helping extend the life of these goods, reducing waste, and supporting the circular economy.”

Last year alone, we diverted over 94 million pounds of clothing and household items from landfills through our stores and recycling partners. Each donation makes a difference—not just for the environment, but for individuals and families in need across the country.
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When you shop or donate at one of our Thrift Stores, you’re helping fund vital Salvation Army programs and services across Canada, including food banks, shelters, rehabilitation for those struggling with addictions, modern slavery and human trafficking prevention, emergency relief efforts, and more. “Our Thrift Stores are more than just retail spaces,” Troughton explains. “They are an integral part of our mission to serve and uplift our communities across Canada.”

This Textiles Tuesday, we invite you to make a lasting impact. Donate your gently used clothing at one of our Donor Welcome Centres and receive a 20% off coupon to save on your next thrift haul. Together, we can reduce waste and care for our communities and the planet we share.

1-Cheminfo Services Inc. Characterizing Reuse, Recycling and Disposal of Textiles in Canada. s.l.: Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2022