Second-hand clothing donations that can't be sold at op-shops are now being recycled into a new range of homewares by Vinnies.
And the re/CYCLE range, which include throw blankets, beach towels, tea towels, rugs and cushions, are being sold at Vinnies Lavington, one of four shops across NSW.
The Vinnies range is made from 100 per cent recycled textiles including those items unable to be resold in their original condition.
Vinnies Lavingon area manager Guy Rowe said the range had been popular since the op-shop reopened two weeks ago.
"We were able to do a lot of things while being closed during the pandemic lockdown," he said.
"That included some painting and getting the shop ready for when we could reopen.
"And now being open again we have been really busy.
"We can probably sell just one in three clothing donations we get so it is great to see those donations being turned into other products.
"The draught stoppers have been selling as quickly as we can put them out."
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St Vincent de Paul NSW commercial enterprise, fundraising and communications executive director Yolanda Saiz said the organisation was passionate about "embracing sustainability".
"At Vinnies our core purpose is to help people experiencing poverty and disadvantage, but we're also passionate about helping the environment," she said.
"For two years now, Vinnies has been exporting some of the clothes it can't sell in its shops to partners who are now recycling textiles, including many of these donations, into these beautiful items.
"We are so excited to be a market leader amongst charity op-shops to take this first step into fashion circularity.
"By purchasing the beautiful homewares from the re/CYCLE range, shoppers will be able to financially support our charity work while saving fabrics from landfill."
Ms Saiz said globally 11.7 million tonnes of textile waste ended up in landfill each year.
"The circular recycling model allows Vinnies shops to divert waste from landfill and reduce environmental impact by reselling second-hand clothing, and recycling fabrics when they are unable to be sold," she said.
The re/CYCLE range aims to target the "conscious consumer" as well as those looking to style their homes with "affordable yet environmentally friendly accessories".
The proceeds from re/CYCLE sales will support people experiencing poverty, homelessness and hardship, including the growing number of households financially struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
