EDQG Quilt Festival Blog

Blenderz

At the Edmonton Quilt Festival : Blenderz, A Truly Local, Circular Solution to Textile Waste

Every year, billions of pounds of clothing and textiles end up in landfills overseas, burdening countries that often lack the infrastructure to manage it safely. It’s a global crisis — but we believe in taking local responsibility.

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A Genuinely Circular Solution to Textile Waste

Here in Edmonton, we’re building a genuinely circular solution to textile waste. Our approach is simple but powerful:

We resell good-quality, reusable clothing to fund the processing of what can’t be reworn or reused.
We recycle non-wearable items locally, even though in-country recycling is expensive due to fair wages, cost of living, and strong safety and environmental standards.

That cost is worth it. Why? Because exporting our waste to less wealthy countries is not a solution — it’s a form of environmental injustice. We are committed to breaking that cycle by keeping textile responsibility close to home.

Feel Good about Where your Clothing is Going!

We want you to feel good about where your clothing is going — whether you donate, shop, upcycle, or mend. These garments can be worn again, reimagined into something new, or passed along for creative resale.

Textile “waste” isn’t waste in the right hands. It’s a resource, an opportunity, and a responsibility.

Thank you for being part of this grassroots revolution — and for helping us put people and planet first. 🌍🧵

Fast Fashion has a Dirty Secret

🌎 Fast fashion has a dirty secret:
Billions of pounds of clothing and textiles end up in landfills — often overseas, in communities unequipped to handle the waste.

At Blenderz, we’re doing things differently — and we’re excited to share our mission at the Edmonton Quilt Festival! 🎉

We take responsibility for excess clothing right here in Edmonton by:
♻️ Selling quality garments to fund local textile recycling
🧵 Recycling non-wearable items in-country — no exporting waste
🌱 Offering reclaimed materials for mending, creating, and upcycling

Yes, it costs more to do this the right way — but it’s worth it. We’re building a local, circular solution that values people and the planet.

Stop by our table at the festival! Learn more, ask questions, and pick up supplies for your next creative project.

Our Store Includes:

Thift Store

You choose the clothing you want from the tables, we weigh it and you pay by the pound.

Clothing is not sorted by gender but by inches only. We encourage inclusive shopping.

All of our clothing comes from community members like you and thrift shops that choose to partner with us.

Classes

Check out our many classes

https://www.blenderzgarmentrecyclers.com/classes

Clothing Boxes

Boxes of clothing in the garment size you choose. Delivery or pick up available.

Exceptional value and variety, a delightful surprise.

Take what you want

Sort through the box and keep what you want.

Return the Rest

Send back what you don’t want. You can even fill it with your own garments.

Supplies and Kits

These kits allow you to make upcycled products at home. They come with all the materials you need and step by step instructions. Perfect for a night in, a sewing party or a classroom activity