- More than 70,000 Western Australians expected to choose to re-use and take part in the 2019 Garage Sale Trail
- The Garage Sale Trail promotes waste avoidance and re-use through buying and selling second-hand items, putting into practice 'choose to re-use' and 'put second-hand first'
Environment Minister Stephen Dawson will join tens of thousands of Western Australians in looking for a 'sustainable bargain' as part of this weekend's national Garage Sale Trail.
To prove that putting second-hand first is not only sustainable but also fashionable, the Minister will hit the trail in Leederville with Perth MLA John Carey in search of pre-loved items for the two MPs to wear in State Parliament.
The duo will be joined by Garage Sale Trail co-founder Andrew Valder whose event is supported by 140 councils throughout Australia. Since 2017, the WA Government has provided more than $380,000 in funding for the event.
More than 70,000 waste-conscious shoppers are set to take to the WA part of the national trail this weekend. With 5,000 garage sales expected in WA, the State will again outperform other States and prevent more than 100,000 items from ending up in landfill.
Australia-wide, more than four million items are expected to be listed for sale at more than 20,000 garage sales and stalls.
Garage Sale Trail gives shoppers and sellers the chance to give previously unwanted clothes and other items a second life and keep them out of landfill. It also promotes key concepts linked with re-using second-hand items such as 'choose to re-use' and 'put second-hand first'.
In 2016-17, about 16,000 tonnes of textiles were disposed to landfill from municipal solid waste in Western Australia and about 11 per cent of Western Australians incorrectly believe that textiles can be put in their home recycling bin. Items can be donated to charity, used as rags or placed in the red general bins as a last option.
Hosting a garage sale is a fun and easy way to give unwanted clothing and other items a second lease on life, preventing them from going to landfill and an opportunity to make a little extra money.
To find a garage sale near you, visit http://www.garagesaletrail.com.au and for more information on waste in WA and how you can make a difference, visit Own Your Impact.
Comments attributed to Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Events such as the annual Garage Sale Trail are a fun way to do our part in reducing waste that ends up in landfill while at the same time having an enjoyable shopping experience. It's sustainable shopping at its best.
"In every household, there's always that storage cupboard in the shed or in the back of the house that's jammed full of things we hardly ever wear or use.
"Taking part in a garage sale is a great opportunity to declutter, fundraise and give items a second life, rather than simply throwing them out.
"A single garage sale doesn't make much difference on its own but when there are 20,000 garage sales across Australia, they can have a significant positive impact.
"In 2017-18 Western Australians sent 1.02 million tonnes of household waste to landfill. The McGowan Government is challenging Western Australians to ensure at least 75 per cent of waste generated in WA is re-used or recycled by 2030."
Minister's office - 6552 5800
