Annual Garage Sale Trail returns to promote reuse and recycle message
Date published: 15 August 2017
Townsville City Council will join about 150 other local councils for the annual Garage Sale Trail, the multi-award winning sustainability and community campaign to be held on Saturday and Sunday, October 21 and 22 this year.
Registrations are now open for households, community groups, charities, local businesses and schools in Townsville to join an estimated 350,000 Australians as a part of the seventh annual national event.
The initiative was a huge success in Townsville last year with 203 registered garage sales simultaneously happening in the city and 8,178 participants.
Water and Waste Committee chair Cr Paul Jacob welcomed the involvement of the council and the unique opportunity to promote reuse and community building in a fun and creative way through Garage Sale Trail.
“Townsville City Council is proud to be actively involved in bringing this national initiative to our residents,” Cr Jacob said.
“Garage Sale Trail helps people to think about how we can all take responsibility for the waste we create.
“Items that are reused don’t end up in council collections or in landfill. It’s also a simple way for people to meet and talk to people in their community as well as fundraise.”
Cr Jacob said about 356,000 tonnes of waste arrived at the city’s dumps every year with nearly 200,000 tonnes diverted through beneficial reuse.
“One garage sale may not make much of a difference, but imagine the difference to our environment if all those items can be reused rather than dumped,” Cr Jacob said.
“It’s also a great opportunity for schools, daycare centres, sporting and community groups to raise some money and a great way to get to you know your neighbours and connect with the community.”
Registration includes a seller webpage that can be personalised by naming the garage sale and listing items that will be for sale on the day.
There are also tips and tools available to help sellers promote their sales locally.
The initiative is run by Australian not-for-profit Garage Sale Trail Foundation. The event exists to create positive social and environmental change in communities across Australia. An idea that’s good for the planet and good for community too!
Registration is free at garagesaletrail.com.au
