Everyday, we are seeing more and more evidence on the detrimental effects of the fast fashion industry. Matakana locals, Sophie Hauser and Olivia Courtney, are doing their part to reduce landfill waste and break this chain, with their new sustainable clothing venture, Neighbourhood Recycle. 

Neighbourhood Recycle is a place for pre-loved clothes to find a new home and get some more wear rather than ending up in a landfill. The idea for it came about quite organically. Sophie and Olivia both have a passion for the environment and sustainability, so creating Neighbourhood Recycle meant that they could do their part in the bid to discourage fast fashion.

Both girls grew up in the area, and they could see how much value a community space like this would bring locals. 

They have been hard at work and have just finished the renovations of the shed. Now, they are in the process of collecting the community's exceptional pre-loved garments. The tentative opening date is six weeks from today. 

The Neighbourhood shop.

Until Neighbourhood Recycle opens, you can drop off your clean, good-condition garments to Bach Matakana. They will process the garments they want to accept and contact you to collect garments that are not accepted. If you choose, these items can be donated to charity.

If you have any funky pieces that aren't getting much wear, definitely consider dropping them into Neighbourhood Recycle. “We are not limited to branded clothes. We are looking for garments that are re-sellable, of good-quality fabric and not fast fashion. We have got quite a few NZ made pieces and are always on the lookout for epic vintage pieces.” Once your garment has sold, Neighbourhood Recycle will split the sale with you 50/50.

Follow @neighbourhoodrecycle on Instagram to keep up to date with what's in the shop. “We can't wait to receive your pre-loved goods!”