Green Gown Awards 2012 - Promoting Positive Behaviour - University of Salford - Highly Commended

New Life for Old Pants

New Life for Old Pants is a successful textile waste reduction and recycling programme at the University of Salford. Run with support from University of Salford Students Union, Salford City Council, TRAID and Recycle for Greater Manchester, the programme, which uses style, fashion and flair to promote and facilitate reduction, reuse and recycling of textile waste, has had a positive impact on behaviour and attitudes of students and staff to old clothes. So far it has resulted in nearly 2.5 tonnes of textile waste being directly diverted from landfill, saving the equivalent of over 33 tonnes of carbon. This is in addition to the clothing being reused as a result of the Sew Good workshops and Swishing parties.

The programme is an excellent example of partnership working between professional services and academic departments within the University as well as key external organisations. Both students and staff were involved as well as links to the wider community.