SEWtember

All things sewing repair, reuse and slow fashion. With over 533 tonnes of fabric waste ending up in our district’s landfill each year, we're on a mission to combat the negative effects of fast fashion this SEWtember. Partnering with different community groups and local volunteers to fund, subsidise and promote a range of events across the district, we want to reduce fabric waste by helping you love the clothes you already have. From workshops on repairing and reusing old clothes to bus tours that explore second-hand shops and take advantage of slow fashion, repair cafes and learn to sew events at community houses, you can expect to revamp your wardrobe without contributing to the negative effects of fabric waste. With fast fashion resulting in the mass production of cheap clothing, there has been an increase in the number of clothes people are buying and subsequently the amount of waste and carbon emissions produced from the fashion industry has skyrocketed. In 2020, Waikato District Council conducted research into waste habits across the district and discovered that the average household threw away nearly half a kilogram of fabric waste in one week. Luckily there are many ways to buy great clothes at good prices without indulging in fast fashion, and our mission this SEWtember is to help spread the word on how you can refresh your clothes without contributing to fabric waste. From Raahui Pookeka Huntly to Whaaingroa Raglan, Ngaaruawaahia, Gordonton, Matangi, Te Kowhai, and even online, take advantage of the unique SEWtember event in your area to learn how to lower your carbon footprint whilst falling in love with your clothes all over again.