From 30 September to 11 October 2024, 461 pupils from five primary schools in Vijfheerenlanden will compete in the Textile Competition. They will collect as many textiles as possible to help their school. In a playful way, they will learn about the impact of the garment industry on the environment and the importance of reusing and recycling for a circular economy.
Producing, using and disposing of textiles is not good for the environment. It causes extra CO2 emissions, pollution of soil and water and a mountain of plastic. Many textiles remain unused in cupboards or attics or are thrown in the dustbin and then incinerated. This causes enormous waste of resources and pollution. It can be done differently.
Kick-off of the Textile Competition
On Monday 30 September, councillor Ton van Maanen gave the official kick-off of the Textile Competition at Eben-Haëzer School in Leerbroek. From 30 September to 11 October, pupils from participating schools will collect textiles for their schools. These can be clothes, bedding, towels, curtains and even soft toys. Clean and dry textiles will be reused, and broken clothes will be recycled. As a result, discarded textiles are given a second life and do not become waste.
Remuneration and allowances
Last year, the winning school collected an impressive average of over 16 kilos of textiles per pupil. This year, we are going for a new record. Each kilo of textile collected earns the school €0.20. The amount that pupils collect for their school will be used by the school itself, such as a fun activity or as a donation to one of the many good (sustainable) causes in the region. The school that collects the most textiles per pupil receives a double payment and a delicious cake as an extra reward.
Award ceremony
Alderman Joop van Montfoort will host the award ceremony on 17 October at 10.00 am at the winning school.
Participating schools
The following litter-free schools are participating in the Textile Competition Vijfheerenlanden: CBS De Ontdekking in Hei- en Boeicop, Fundament in Nieuwland, Eben-Haëzerschool in Leerboek, and CBS Juliana in Leerdam and CBS De Rank from Meerkerk.
Initiators
Opnieuw & Co and Waardlanden are organising this competition together with the Vijfheerenlanden municipality for the second time. The aim is to reduce residual waste, reuse raw materials and teach children about sustainability in a fun way.