City and students work to reduce textile waste through upcycling, reuse and repair |
April 14, 2026
A new exhibit at City Hall is celebrating the work of Edmonton youth to reduce their textile waste impact.
During the Reuse Centre’s Sustainable Fashion Week workshop in early April, students ages 14 to 18 designed and created outfits using clothing, fabric and materials. The workshop brought together 13 students to learn valuable sewing and design skills and embolden their creativity. The week concluded with a fashion show of the finished designs for friends and family. Their creations are on display until April 27, alongside information on the impacts of textile waste and tips to reduce it at home.
Now in its second year, Sustainable Fashion Week is one way the City of Edmonton supports the next generation in developing life skills while contributing to environmental sustainability. Extending the life of clothing and textiles through donation, repair or reuse helps keep them out of the landfill and reduces emissions.
“Edmontonians are great at donating all kinds of items to the Reuse Centre, which helps reduce the load on our waste system,” said Reuse and Waste Reduction Program Lead Kristin Arnot. “We want to take action on reducing textile waste. With this workshop, we’re encouraging students to reduce the environmental impacts of the fashion industry in a fun, productive way.”
Sustainable fashion advocate Michelle Closs has overseen both years of the workshop as a design mentor, with upcycling designer Josephine Nakafeero supporting the program this year. Closs owns Reimagined Fabrics, a second-hand fabric shop focused on recirculating fabrics and sewing tools within the community.
“I really enjoy the creativity at the workshop and watching it unfold,” said Closs. “It’s very inspiring to see what the students can do with what seems like trash to others: they turn it into treasures.”
Reducing textile waste
As the exhibit coincides with Earth Day on April 22, residents are encouraged to consider how they can reduce the environmental impact of clothing.
From 2022 to 2024, Edmontonians disposed of more than 39,000 tonnes of clothing and fabric. If these items were reused and repaired, residents could divert an average of 8,600 tonnes from landfill each year.
Here are some actions you can take to keep clothing and textiles out of landfill:
- Donate items that are in good condition.
- Extend their lifespan through mending; check the Reuse Directory for tools and learning resources.
- Consider whether materials can be repurposed, such as for new garments or rags.
The Reuse Centre
Individuals and businesses can donate items to the Reuse Centre, where they are made available for residents to pick up free of charge. A list of accepted items is available at edmonton.ca/ReuseCentre.
The Reuse Centre does not accept donations of clothing or household fabrics. Residents can visit the City of Edmonton’s Reuse Directory for locations to donate, refill, repair, consign, borrow and rent items in their community.
The Reuse Centre also provides educational opportunities on reducing waste and promoting reuse, including DIY Thursdays. These free, volunteer-led weekly workshops focus on teaching participants skills to help reduce waste. |
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