Clothing Waste to Comfy Sleep

Healthy Mattresses from 'Waste' Textiles

Most textiles are not recycled in Aotearoa, a 2022 FNDC audit indicates textiles are 11% of municipal waste @ 48 tonnes a week = 2,500 tonnes a year.

WDC in 2022 estimated 7% @ 4,800 tonnes a year. Kaipara has no data available but based on population figures is estimated to generate 2,400 tonnes a year.

There is now a solution diverting textile ‘waste’ from landfill into comfy, affordable, healthy mattresses! Under the guidance of the Textile Recycling Network NZ, Healthy Homes / CBEC, EcoSolutions and Textiles NZ have come together to soak up the tons of textile ‘waste’. This is a “Cradle to Cradle” life cycle in action, as even the mattress themselves can be re-processed into new mattresses!

Our local op shops are literally dumping sacks of unsold clothes every week.

The good news is that Timebank member, EcoSolutions, organise weekly processing sessions at which volunteers remove zips, buttons and poppers. Textiles are sorted into 3 bins – 100% natural; mixed fibres; polyester. The mattresses use mixed fibres while the home insulation absorbs the polyester and the natural fibres will be turned into weed mat.

Timebank members can earn Time Credits joining in the fun in a very relaxed and enjoyable setting with the added bonus of possibly picking up clothing, linen etc for free!

Imagine sleeping on a breathable, foam-free mattress made from textiles recycled in Aotearoa. Which is also repairable and washable. Named EcoRest they come in all sizes - single, king single, double, queen and king.

Processed Textile Sorting Bags

Bags of textiles ready for processing

The finished product - healthy comfy mattresses

Contact judy@cbec.co.nz at EcoSolutions to join in the fun.

More info:  EcoSolutions Less Waste = More Happiness.