Recycling on a roll in the Bay

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...to chemical recycling plants, where they are treated and recycled for use in construction sites or road works.

Surprisingly, Colovaria is the only participant in the scheme in the Nelson Tasman region. Charlotte signed up in September last year and feels good that 95 per cent of her salon’s material waste is diverted from landfill.

A little further downtown in Tākaka is Detour Working Studio, the upcycled clothing store run by sada, which has been operating for four years. All clothing and accessories are upcycled by sada, who has been recently joined by Lisa Gardiner.

“I like to call it ‘from preloved to re-loved’,” says Lisa.

Lisa and Anita Hutchinson from Stitch ‘n Sew are offering a series of free workshops, repurposing garments and textiles. To date, they have hosted three of six sessions.

Both women donate their time and are on hand to guide people and help them complete any half-finished projects, or begin new ones. The aim is to empower others to learn the skills needed to upcycle their own textiles.

“The aim is not just to divert clothing from landfill, it’s encouraging the conversation… what energy and resources have gone into making the clothes in the first place,” says Lisa.

Everyone is welcome to attend, whatever their skill level. Those who can sew are encouraged to bring their sewing machines and join in.

“Remake, Reuse, Repurpose” is funded by FreshChoice and Trash Palace. The next session is at the community centre this Saturday 18 March from 10am-2pm. See ad on page 18.