You’re never too young to discover the power of sustainability—and get bitten by the op-shopping bug!
This became evident on Monday, 18 August, when Halia Maynard, Manager of Lutheran Care’s Elcies Thrift Store in Tanunda, visited Redeemer Lutheran School in Nuriootpa. Her mission? To ignite a passion for sustainable fashion and highlight the environmental impact of our shopping and waste habits.
Halia’s visit was arranged by Mikhaela Zanlorenzi, a teacher at the school’s Innovations Village and daughter-in-law of one of Elcies’ dedicated volunteers.
The presentation tied into the students’ research on the landfill crisis, where growing waste contributes to pollution and greenhouse gases. Halia’s talk sparked an engaging conversation about how second-hand stores like Elcies help transform “trash” into “treasure.”
The students had the opportunity to explore hands-on examples of how the Elcies team creatively repurposes items that would otherwise end up in landfill. For instance, chipped crockery becomes plant pots or craft materials, unsellable clothing is upcycled into tote bags, aprons, or cleaning rags, and ‘B-Grade’ blankets and soft toys find new life in local vet clinics and animal shelters.
One of the most eye-opening moments for the students was feeling the stark difference in fabric quality between inexpensive fast-fashion brands like Shein and Temu versus higher-end Australian-made garments. Halia brought in a Veronika Maine piece so the students could experience the contrast first-hand.
They also discussed the long-term value of investing in quality items. A well-made jacket, while more expensive upfront, proves to be cheaper in the long run when calculated by cost per wear, compared to constantly replacing lower-quality, cheaper alternatives.
Kerry, a volunteer at Elcies Tanunda, also joined the session and shared insights into what she loves about her role, inspiring the students further.
“The kids were so well-mannered and engaged, with plenty of thoughtful questions,” says Halia.
The students will present their findings later in the term, bringing their newfound knowledge of sustainability to their peers.
Elcies Thrift Stores are boutique-style second-hand shops offering high-quality pre-loved goods and popular brands. Founded by Lutheran Care, Elcies provides a dignified shopping experience that rivals mainstream retail, catering to those on tighter budgets and anyone who loves hunting for hidden treasures. By supporting sustainable shopping practices and giving pre-loved items a second life, Elcies helps reduce landfill waste while raising essential funds for Lutheran Care’s Emergency Relief program.