Reducing textile waste in the East Kootenay

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is urging residents to reduce textile waste by buying less and keeping clothing and household fabrics in use longer.

The RDEK says Canadians discard nearly 500 million kilograms of clothing and fabric-based household goods each year.

Residents can cut waste by wearing what they already own and repairing, swapping, renting or buying second-hand clothing before purchasing new items. Unwanted items should be donated for reuse when possible.

Buying fewer, higher-quality items and extending the life of clothing can conserve resources and keep textiles out of landfills.

More waste-reduction information is available at engage.rdek.bc.ca/recycle.