With an impressive average of 23.8 kg of textiles per pupil, the Eben-Haëzer School from Leerbroek is the big winner of the second edition of the Textile Competition in Vijfheerenlanden. From 30 September to 11 October, 461 pupils from five primary schools enthusiastically set to work collecting as many textiles as possible. The result? A whopping 4,769 kilos of textiles reused or recycled.
Reward for commitment
Again & Co rewards each participating school with €0.20 per kilo of textile collected. For the winning school, this amount is even doubled. The school can use this for fun activities or donate it to a sustainable cause in the region. On 17 October, the Eben-Haëzer School received a cheque of no less than € 942.40, delicious cakes and a circular gift, presented by alderman Joop van Montfoort, education officer Ozan Cimen and Johan van de Zande of Opnieuw & Co.
Together against textile waste
Every year, we throw an average of 7 kg of textiles per person in the residual waste, which eventually ends up in the incinerator. It is harmful to the environment, with extra CO2 emissions and pollution of our earth. Councillor Joop van Montfoort said: 'The Textile Competition is a great way to fight waste and make a real difference. Children are the consumers of the future. They learn in a fun way about the impact of the garment industry on the environment and the importance of recycling. And how they themselves can contribute to a better environment by making more sustainable choices. With the Textile Competition, we ensure that valuable material does not go to waste. It gets a second life and saves raw materials. That's how we contribute to a more sustainable world.'
Give textiles a second chance
Do you have any textiles at home that you no longer use? Don't throw it in the residual waste. There are so many better options. Give reusable clothes, bags, sheets and cuddly toys to someone who can use them or sell them (online). You can hand in your textiles during opening hours at Opnieuw & Co Leerdam. Or bring it to the Kringloopplein in Nieuw-Lekkerland, a thrift or gift shop. And don't forget the special clothing fairs and swap markets. Or bring old textiles to the recycling centre or put them in the collection container for textiles in the neighbourhood. Even worn or broken fabrics can go in there.
Participating schools
Participating in the Textile Competition Vijfheerenlanden were: CBS De Ontdekking in Hei- en Boeicop, Fundament in Nieuwland, Eben-Haëzerschool in Leerboek, CBS Juliana in Leerdam and CBS De Rank from Meerkerk.
About the Textile Competition
The Textile Competition was organised for the second time by Opnieuw & Co, Municipality of Vijfheerenlanden and Waardlanden. The aim of the Textile Competition is to reduce residual waste, increase recycling and give new life to raw materials. In addition, children learn about sustainability and recycling in a fun way.