Our ReLove Local product line was our initial ambitious foray into creating a circular, sustainable business model by repurposing textile waste into beautiful, durable, locally made, eco-friendly household items.
The project, which began in 2021, was a tremendous learning experience and well-supported by the Gabriola Community. However, as the project evolved, the costs and challenges exceeded our ability to sustain it. The creation of new ReLove Local products uses only a tiny percentage of the overall textile waste we receive. The bulk of our textile waste is polyester or poly-blend, not suited for upcycling. We believe our energies must now shift to projects that have greater potential for waste diversion. We plan to focus our resources now on improving our shredding system and to developing markets with manufacturers and organizations interested in using an alternative recycled product for stuffed applications.
In spite of our new direction, the ReLove Local project truly illustrates what can be achieved when creative and committed people in our community work together to solve a problem. The Makerspace will offer a limited selection of products while supplies last.