Tasman Bay Textile ResQ collective came together mid-2023 to rescue clothing and textiles from local landfills.

We teamed with Nelson Tasman Hospice Opshops to replicate the incredibly successful model of Intercept and Salvation Army in Whangarei. We got some seed funding through a waste minimisation grant from Nelson City Council and we’ve had help from Nelson Environment Centre as well.

Buying and donating second-hand is the most sustainable way to shop, but far too little of the overwhelming volume donated gets re-used. Too much is dumped because it is old and tired; needs a wash or a repair. The repair may be as simple as a missing button.

Good quality fabrics, linens, and curtains end up discarded because people lack the time to make something with them. We find endless creative ways to transform waste goods into beautiful, useful ones. As a result Hospice raises more funds, and reduces disposal costs. “Sustainable Shopping” becomes even more sustainable.

Textile waste in NZ has nearly doubled in the last ten years and is now a staggering 220,000 tonnes annually or about 45 kilos per person. Globally the fashion industry contributes about 10% of emissions. This has to change and we are doing something about it.

We also inform people about the problems arising from fast fashion; and provide opportunities for lots of people in our community to meet together and share skills in a positive cause.

We’ve come a long way in a short space of time. We’d love you to join us.