Create.
We are thinking outside the box. We see textile waste as a valuable resource.
Our goal is to establish a sustainable model for reusing textiles to address the problem of fast fashion. This involves creating job opportunities and providing a platform for reusing textile waste.
Learn.
We offer workshops on different sewing techniques. The community is welcome to use the Makerspace and sewing machines to improve their skills and prevent items from going to landfills or being sent overseas.
We have a program in partnership with the Elementary School on Gabriola Island and the District of Nanaimo that teaches students how to rethink textile waste.
We focus on the importance of being aware of our consumption and the benefits of recycling, upcycling, fixing, and making better choices in a world of overconsumption.
Shop Local
Supporting local businesses is essential for creating a sustainable future for our communities. By choosing local establishments, we contribute to the growth of employment opportunities and help to maintain a healthy local economy.
This support can have far-reaching benefits, including preserving unique community character, reducing environmental impact through decreased transportation needs, and fostering a strong sense of community pride and togetherness!
GIRO
The Gabriola Island Recycling Organization (GIRO) is a non-profit charity organization established in 1990. GIRO offers a wide range of recycling services and reuse through their ReStore.
" The Gabriola Island Recycling Organization endeavours to create an island community that understands the importance of caring for the land that nurtures us.
Our mission is to actively encourage, enable, and educate by providing a place for islanders to recycle and hence reduce our environmental footprint."
Makerspace
The Makerspace is an incubator with a focus on reducing the textile waste stream:
• Providing opportunities for individuals to learn skills from experienced textile artists/
artisans.
• Providing access to shared resources: workspace, equipment, tools and textile information [reference books/magazines, etc.].
• Fostering creative solutions for rethinking, reusing, remaking, and recycling textiles.
• Providing opportunities for textile instructors to hold workshops and seminars.
• Networking with other organizations for collaboration in the Makerspace and
community.
• Mentoring organizations in other communities to initiate cradle-to-cradle approaches for
their textile waste stream.
Workspace Rentals:
$15/hr, with access to sewing machines, cutting tools, workstation, and worktable.
100% recycled textile SHRED
The newest acquisition: The textile shredder.
Up to 40% of GIRO's textile waste cannot be upcycled. As a solution, we purchased a shredding machine. We transform these textiles into 100% recycled shredded fibre, which can be used in various stuffed applications, diverting it from landfills.
Our Shred is designed to provide eco-friendly solutions at reasonable prices. Whether you're a small business looking to incorporate sustainable practices or an individual crafter interested in creating environmentally conscious projects, our textile shredded fibre is the perfect solution.
Please get in touch with us if you want to learn more about our process and pricing.
Support us
There are several ways for you to get involved and support our project!
We seek volunteers to assist with various behind-the-scenes tasks, including textile preparation. You can also participate in our apprentice program if you have sewing skills or want to learn more.
Please get in touch with us to learn more about how you can make a meaningful contribution!
When you purchase our products, you are playing a crucial role in supporting our makers and staff as they continue to grow the project. Help us expand our reach by spreading
the word about our mission.
Join us in meaningful conversations about the impact of fast fashion and explore ways to address this issue, both on an individual level and within our community.
Your donations are invaluable in ensuring the sustainability and growth of our ever-evolving project.
Your support is greatly appreciated!
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GIRO ReStore Hours
Wednesday: 9:30am-4pm
Saturday: 9:30am-4pm
Summer Hours
(July-August)
8:30am-3
Gabriola Island
Recycling Organization
Address
700 Tin Can Alley, Gabriola, BC
V0R 1X3