Landfill sites are filled with tons of discarded clothes.
In North Bay, Judy Thorne, who calls herself "the green lady," is doing what she can to keep clothes out of the landfill for as long as possible.
She sells clothes that are left over from a local consignment shop and distributes the proceeds back into the community.
“It has to do with recycling usable clothing, getting them back into the wardrobes of people, keeping it out of the landfill,” said Thorne.
“So, we’re squeezing as much out of the clothes as we possibly can. The quality is there. It is disgusting how much is disposed of in the garbage. It just kills me.”
In the past she held fashion shows, often reworking the design of the clothing for resale, but it became too time-consuming.
This time she came up with the idea of a green closet sale, with proceeds going to programs in the community, helping people in need.
“We’ve got anything a woman would want from lingerie to sportswear, evening wear, separates, shoes, boots, purses. Everything and anything. The ladies are having a riot,” laughed Thorne.
“Some of the stuff is dated but it doesn’t matter. It is what you like. It is the fabric and the design that I value, and I don’t want it going in the garbage.”
The items all came from one source.
“It is all from my best friend Lynn who owns a consignment store. So, when customers open accounts, she tells them that when their stuff is disposed of, it goes to charity, and that is me. I create some way of raising money and it goes back into the community,” explained Thorne.
“So, all of these clothes come from Clothes Encounters of the 2nd Kind consignment shop. And all her clients are aware of the fact that this is where their garments that don’t sell, will eventually end up.”
Zeb Junaid came to do some green shopping and support her friend.
“What a beautiful job she’s done. There are some amazing pieces. She just loves doing things for the environment,” said Junaid.
“I like to support the idea. I’ve read about how much pollution there is because we buy new clothes all the time, and the clothes are just creating massive pollution. I think this is wonderful.”
Patricia Aultman brought her daughter and her daughter’s friend to check out what was available.
“It is very affordable. It is good for the environment and this is also for some create causes. I think this is a great way to give back,” said Aultman.
“I’m getting clothes for my daughter and myself and her friend, coats, hats dresses for the summer. There’s a great selection.”
As a young person interested in protecting the environment, Grace Aultman enjoyed the experience.
“I like that it is going to a good cause and you can have fun shopping. I’m looking for clothes for the summer. “
Items that don’t sell get divvied up.
“Some of it is going to Mattawa to the food bank, some is going to go to the Health Unit, and I bag it up and give it to whoever will take it. Nothing will be wasted,” said Thorne.