Central Coast Council is encouraging residents to tackle the world-wide throwaway fashion culture by becoming reuse trail blazers during this year’s annual Garage Sale Trail.

Mayor Jane Smith has decided to lead the charge by wearing a reused fashion piece, called the Trail Blazer, made from repurposed clothing and fabric from designer Julie Paterson of ScrapClothFabric.

“We know that at most garage sales in our community the largest number of items being sold is often clothing,” said Mayor Smith.

“Clothing and fast fashion is a big problem for Australians – we buy 27kgs of new textiles each year and discard 23kgs to landfill.

“Fast fashion is driving the purchase of clothing that is often discarded after two or three wears causing considerable problems in landfills. Two-thirds of the items sent to landfill are manmade synthetic fibres that won’t break down.

“I’m wearing this fantastic blazer today to encourage everyone on the Central Coast to become a reuse Trail Blazer with me when Garage Sale Trail comes to town on October 20 & 21” said Mayor Smith.

“There will be plenty of wardrobe bargains to pick up with over 121 sales registered across the Central Coast already.

“We are encouraging all Coasties to think next time they go to throw out any unwanted goods, including clothing, and try to give them new life so they don’t end up in landfill,” Mayor Smith said.

Anyone in the community can get involved if they have clothing or other items to sell by hosting a sale or shopping the Trail at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/garagesaletrail – registration is free and open now.