A Word About Fabric

By Ms Agnes Kopras-Ianson, Director of Finance

In just 12 months, from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023, Radford has achieved a remarkable feat by diverting 1,326.50 kilograms of textiles from landfill. This accomplishment is a direct result of our partnership with Upparel, and it has made a significant impact on our ongoing efforts towards waste reduction.

The textiles that have been successfully diverted encompass various items, such as uniforms and shoes, which students have either outgrown or replaced. Rather than being disposed of in landfills, Upparel has taken charge of recycling these items in an environmentally responsible manner.

Upon collection, Upparel sorts the collected items, distinguishing between those still suitable for wear and those that are not. For items that cannot be reused, they are appropriately categorised for secure destruction and repurposing. On the other hand, items that are deemed fit for wear are generously donated to charitable organisations.

We extend our profound gratitude to Radford's Parents & Friends Association (P&F), whose invaluable support has aided in covering the cost of disposing old or damaged uniforms that are unsuitable for resale in our Secondhand Shop. As a direct result of their assistance, a staggering 4,642.75 kg of greenhouse gases have been prevented from being emitted, thereby making a substantial contribution towards minimising our carbon footprint and fostering a cleaner environment.

The Upparel bin will continue to be located outside the P&F Secondhand Shop, helping us meet our sustainability goals.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that Upparel's services are not limited solely to educational institutions like Radford; they are also readily available for households seeking sustainable textile disposal solutions.