Thread Together: Fighting Fashion Waste & Clothing Poverty in Australia - An Exclusive Interview
- Celeste Tesoriero
- May 15
- 4 min read
Introducing our new interview series: People of Purpose.
{{ Watch the 2 part interview on our youtube channel }}
As someone deeply immersed in the world of sustainable fashion, I've had countless conversations about the industry's impact and the urgent need for change. But recently, my chat with Anthony Chesler, the CEO of Thread Together, truly cut through the noise. It wasn't just another discussion about the problems; it was a powerful insight into a tangible, scalable solution that's tackling both textile waste and clothing insecurity head-on, right here in Australia.
For those of you who follow my work, you know I don't shy away from the stark realities of our industry. We're all too aware of the overflowing landfills, the ethical dilemmas, and the sheer volume of stuff that's being produced and discarded at an alarming rate. That's why my conversation with Anthony resonated so deeply – because Thread Together isn't just talking about the problem; they're actively intercepting it at a crucial point.
Anthony, with his background in the seemingly disparate worlds of accounting and consulting, brought a refreshingly pragmatic and numbers-driven perspective to the issue. He laid bare the staggering statistic of perfectly good, new clothing going to waste. Think about that for a moment. We're not just talking about unwanted fast fashion; we're talking about unsold inventory from brands and retailers – often high-quality items – that are destined for landfill simply due to logistical challenges or seasonal shifts.
"The sheer scale of perfectly good, new clothing going to waste while so many Australians lack access to this basic necessity – that's the problem we're tackling."
Collaborating with around 2,000 brands and retailers nationwide is no small feat. It speaks volumes about the growing awareness within the industry – at least on some level – and the need for more responsible end-of-life solutions. The logistical coordination, powered by a dedicated network of volunteers, is truly impressive.
Anthony's point about clothing being a "forgotten basic human right" really landed with me. In our discussions within the sustainable fashion sphere, we often focus on environmental impact and ethical production. While these are crucial, Anthony's perspective brought a vital social dimension to the forefront. The dignity and sense of normalcy that access to appropriate clothing can provide are immeasurable, and the stories he shared about the impact on individuals, particularly women, underscored this powerfully.
For my audience, the innovative approach of Thread Together in prioritising reuse is particularly relevant. They aren't just a donation centre; they are actively working to keep clothing at its highest value. This aligns perfectly with the principles of a circular economy that many of you are passionate about. And the fact that they are also exploring innovative recycling methods for end-of-life garments demonstrates a holistic approach to the textile waste challenge.
"Our focus is on keeping clothing at its highest value, prioritising reuse and exploring innovative ways to extend its life."
Our conversation also touched on the systemic changes needed within the fashion industry. While individual consumer choices are important (and something I consistently advocate for), Anthony's insights reinforced the necessity for policy shifts that incentivise sustainable practices and hold brands accountable for their waste.
However, Anthony was also clear that change requires a multi-pronged approach. It's not just about industry responsibility or government regulations; it's also about how we, as informed consumers, engage with fashion. His call to consume less resonates deeply with the core tenets of sustainable style. We need to move beyond the fleeting trends and invest in pieces that are made to last, both in quality and in our personal connection to them.
And when it comes to our existing wardrobes, Anthony's suggestions of giving away, swapping, and reselling are practices many of you are already familiar with. But his emphasis on destigmatising pre-loved clothing is a crucial point. We need to shift the cultural narrative around secondhand items and recognise the inherent value and sustainability in extending the life of garments.
Having had this in-depth conversation with Anthony, I wanted to share the tangible ways we, as a knowledgeable and engaged community, can amplify the impact of Thread Together. He outlined several key areas where both individuals and organisations can contribute:
For My Engaged Community:
Amplify Their Message: You are already advocates for sustainable fashion. Help Thread Together reach a wider audience by sharing their work on your social media platforms and within your networks.
Consider Skill-Based Volunteering: Many of you possess valuable skills in areas like marketing, communications, logistics, or event management. Reach out to Thread Together to see if your expertise can support their operations.
Support Businesses That Partner with Thread Together: Actively seek out and support the brands and retailers that are demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility by working with Thread Together. Let them know you appreciate their efforts.
For Organisations and Businesses within Our Network:
Explore Corporate Partnerships: If your organisation aligns with the values of sustainability and social impact, consider establishing a formal partnership with Thread Together. This could involve financial contributions, in-kind support, or employee engagement programs.
Offer Logistical Expertise or Resources: Do you have strengths in warehousing, transportation, or supply chain management? Thread Together's work relies heavily on efficient logistics.
Engage Your Employees: Organise workplace volunteering days or donation drives to raise awareness and support for Thread Together's mission.
As a community of conscious citizens and industry professionals, we have a responsibility to support and amplify the work of organisations like Thread Together. Let's move beyond awareness and actively contribute to solutions that are making a real difference on the ground. Let's continue to connect the dots between our passion for sustainable style and the tangible impact we can have on both our planet and our communities for a more responsible fashion future.
All images supplied by Thread Together
Do you want to nominate someone you know as our next People of Purpose muse? Email: celeste@sonzaistudios.com
