Pre-loved Fashion: 5 Eco-friendly destinations for them near YOU
Space in Hong Kong is limited. Our closets are bursting with clothes and then some as we buy new ones each season. We realise that it is time to cull out the clutter... but what should we do with these clothes we once adored?
Shocking but true, according to an article titled “Wall of Waste” written less than a year ago by the Hong Kong based NGO Redress which promotes environmental sustainability, an average of 217 tonnes of textiles are dumped into Hong Kong’s landfills each day!
Each and every one of us can make a difference by being conscious of our actions. In this article, we have gathered 5 eco-friendly destinations operating in the Western-Central district, where we can donate used clothing or buy second-hand ones.
Also, it is worth noting that clothing brands such as Uniqlo, Zara and H&M have launched second hand collection and recycling initiatives, where you can donate your old textiles at their outlets - no matter brand or condition.
1. Salvation Army Family Store @ Kennedy Town
The Salvation Army family store is a classic, and the Kennedy Town location is the only one in the Western District. Here, you can find an ever-changing variety of second-hand clothing, books, and other knick knacks. Prices are about the same as your typical H&M, but you can greatly reduce waste and find more unique items by buying secondhand. The store also operates as a collection point for old clothes, so you can shop sustainably, and also make room for all your new clothes!
Address: 26 Belcher’s St, Sai Wan
Contact: (852) 29740882
2. Green Ladies @ Sai Ying Pun
Here’s a fashionable one just for the ladies! Green Ladies is a social enterprise clothing chain that supports the employment of middle-aged women and promotes sustainable fashion habits by offering consignment services. Simply put, this means that you can make some extra cash and support an eco-friendly business. The price range is somewhat higher than your typical thrift store, but you’re likely to find more high quality pieces here. We loved an Emporio Armani lavender top which was a steal!
Address: G/F, No. 168, Queen‘s Road West, Sai Ying Pun
Contact: (852) 21103482
http://gl.sjs.org.hk/
3. Castaways Charity Shop @ Central
Not all that’s castaway is wasted!
Tucked away in the corner of St John’s Cathedral, Castaways is a charity shop that hopes to bring new life to all your old items. If you have clothes and accessories that are still in good condition, they accept donations every Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Alternatively, office workers in the area can swing by their shop during lunch hour for a quick, guilt-free shopping spree.
Address: Castaways Charity Shop, St John’s Cathedral, 4-8 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong
Contact: (852) 2523 4157
4. Mee & Gee @ Central
Who says second-hand can’t be trendy? Mee & Gee was my favourite of all the stores, and also the most affordable. If you’re patient and willing to scrounge around the many racks, you will definitely find some great items at low prices. While they do not accept clothing donations, if you’re looking for a blazer for work or some funky clothes for a costume party, Mee & Gee definitely has them - somewhere.
Address: 9 Li Yuen St W, Central
Contact: (852) 29750077
5. Friends of the Earth (FoE)
This last one may not be a shop, but if you are looking for a place to recycle used clothes, Friends of the Earth is definitely your best option. They are a HK based charity that collects used clothing and redistributes them to the needy, and their clothes collection bins are conveniently located all around our neighborhood. There are currently 15 such recycling bins in the western district, with 2 within Sai Ying Pun itself. Keep an eye out for them as you roam the streets, I chanced upon one just hidden right next to my home!
Location of FoE clothes collection bins: Western District Locations
Contact: (852) 2528 5588
