Saving the planet, one old uniform at a time

Bringing our organisations together as Scope has introduced a new perspective and a new brand.

With the new brand means new uniforms across business and programs, so the question is, what do we do with the old ones?

The School Leavers Employment Support (SLES) program, Skills Thread and Upparel joined forced back in March 2022, and have prevented a whopping 37,409kg of material from going to landfill. By collecting old, unwanted Disability Services Australia uniforms or branded materials, the SLES program hope to reach their target of 40,000kg.

This up-cycling program has been an epic success, not only saving the environment one unwanted garments at a time, but also providing jobs and social opportunities for our SLES participants.

Simone Taylor, Business Manager, describes the movement as a huge opportunity to support the program, as well as keep clothes out of landfill.

“We have a real chance to not only help save the environment, which we know everyone is really happy to do, but to also reach out target of 40k. At this rate, we should not only hit the target but hopefully beat it.”

Upparel have been turning the up-cycled materials into things like furniture padding and roofing installation, and more recently launching UPTex which makes packaging for shipping, mouse pads, furniture and coat hangers.

“Everything that is recycled is completely recyclable and reusable, again and again, which is pretty cool.”

The next step for the SLES program and Upparel is to launch a store for people to shop bargains from the clothes salvaged.

How can you recycle your unwanted uniform?

Simone has put out buckets in NSW office locations for teams to recycle their old uniforms.

Help keep your old uniforms out of landfill, save the environment and help our Skills Thread meet their 40,000kg target.

Get in touch with Simone for more information [email protected].