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Blenderz Garment Recyclers is a zero-waste, zero-export textile recycling organization in Edmonton, Alberta that tackles the global crisis of textile waste through local, circular solutions. By intercepting unsellable clothing destined for export or landfill, Blenderz advances several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Through upcycling, community workshops, and inclusive volunteer programs, Blenderz empowers individuals to engage in sustainable practices while reducing the environmental footprint of textile disposal.
Blenderz Garment Recyclers, founded in Edmonton, Alberta, is a pioneering zero-waste, zero-export textile recycling organization committed to addressing the growing global crisis of textile waste. Established as Canada’s only zero-waste thrift store, Blenderz was created to intercept unsellable clothing that would otherwise end up in landfills or be exported overseas. Through its community driven approach, the organization transforms textile waste into local opportunity reselling items in good condition, repurposing or up cycling damaged pieces, and using creative reuse to prevent any materials from going to waste. This innovative model directly advances several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By focusing on waste reduction, material reuse, and circular economy practices, Blenderz contributes to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by lowering greenhouse gas emissions linked to textile decomposition and international waste exports. The organization also supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by promoting local processing, minimizing environmental impact, and fostering sustainable consumption habits within the community. Beyond waste diversion, Blenderz promotes education, inclusion, and empowerment. Through workshops, repair classes, and volunteer programs, the organization builds environmental awareness and practical skills that align with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). By exposing the inefficiencies of the global secondhand export system, Blenderz also advances SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) through advocacy for transparency and ethical waste management. Ultimately, Blenderz demonstrates how grassroots innovation and community collaboration can create meaningful environmental and social change for a more sustainable world.
Sarah Janzen, founder of Blenderz Garment Recyclers, was inspired by a combination of professional experience, environmental activism, and a deep sense of social responsibility. With a background in global supply chain and customs compliance, she had long been aware of how international trade and production systems affect the planet. However, her inspiration took root when she realized that the problem of textile waste extended beyond fast fashion. “I found out that every single thrift store exports,” she explained. “We hear about fast fashion and pollution in Ghana, but it’s all secondhand clothing.” This discovery revealed a hidden global issue which is how charitable and resale systems contribute to environmental harm through waste exports. Her moment of action came when a local thrift store reached out for help. “She asked me for help,” Janzen recalled. “She said, ‘You sew, you must know people who sew. Can you help us? I don’t want to keep throwing it in the garbage.’” That simple request became the catalyst for Blenderz. Janzen began collecting unsellable textiles, rallying volunteers, and asking the community, “There’s a problem do you want to help me do something about it?” Blenderz was not born from a business plan, but from necessity and compassion. As Janzen explained, “It was up cycling at home while I was still working a corporate job, and then finding out that we were basically being lied to.” Her innovation grew organically from that realization transforming frustration into a community-powered solution that champions transparency, inclusivity, and environmental change.
Blenderz Garment Recyclers began its journey in 2021 in Edmonton, Alberta, when founder Sarah Janzen turned her passion for sustainability into action. Drawing on her experience in global supply chain management, she recognized how much of Canada’s secondhand clothing was being exported or sent to landfills. Sarah set out to change that by creating a community centered space where every piece of fabric could be reused, repaired, or up cycled. Through this model, Blenderz built a movement around conscious consumption and local environmental responsibility. In the short term, the impact was immediate. Blenderz diverted thousands of pounds of textiles each week from landfills and exports, giving them new life through resale, repurposing, and creative workshops. The store’s inclusive and volunteer driven approach invited people from all walks of life to participate in sustainability. Community members learned sewing, repair, and up cycling skills while also gaining awareness of how their choices affect the planet. Over the long term, Blenderz continues to reshape how people think about fashion, waste, and community. The organization actively contributes to UN SDGs by reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions. What began as one person’s grassroots idea has grown into a powerful, ongoing movement for a circular and sustainable future.
Since Blenderz Garment Recyclers built its business around a zero-waste, zero-export model, the organization has grown steadily while staying true to its social and environmental mission. Its innovation reclaiming and repurposing textiles that would otherwise end up in landfills has not only created environmental impact but also generated sustainable revenue. Through its pay by the pound clothing options, curated clothing boxes, and up cycling workshops, Blenderz raises income while keeping costs low and accessibility high. These diverse revenue streams allow the organization to reinvest profits directly into its recycling operations and community education programs. Since the business took this community centered approach, it has created meaningful employment and volunteer opportunities. Blenderz currently operates with a small paid staff and a large network of dedicated volunteers, fostering inclusivity and belonging. The organization’s focus on skill-sharing, collaboration, and creativity supports employee well being by giving people a sense of purpose and contribution. Its workshops and partnerships have opened pathways for individuals to learn new trades, empowering them with employable skills while advancing circular economy practices. The innovation has also sparked new market opportunities within Edmonton’s growing sustainability sector. By transforming waste into value, Blenderz has proven that community driven, circular businesses can be both environmentally responsible and economically viable inspiring similar enterprises to emerge across Canada.
Although the business is still young, it offers strong alignment with sustainability trends, giving the business a unique and authentic identity. It taps into growing consumer demand for ethical, circular, and community-driven businesses by using donated or discarded fabrics and textiles materials to make valuable materials and clothing available to the public at reasonable prices. The business also faces competition with other thrift stores and traditional stores. Educating the public and shifting perceptions about waste-based products takes time and effort. There may also be regulatory or logistical hurdles in handling large volumes of discarded materials. Blenderz Garment Recyclers has transformed how communities think about fashion and waste. By creating a circular, zero-waste system, the organization keeps thousands of pounds of textiles out of landfills each week materials that would otherwise release harmful greenhouse gases as they decompose or be shipped overseas to burden developing nations. Through local sorting, resale, and up cycling, Blenderz reduces carbon emissions associated with global textile exports by promoting sustainable consumption habits and lowering waste at the source. The environmental benefits are paired with strong social impact. Blenderz teaches repair and up cycling skills through workshops and classes, giving people practical tools to extend the life of their clothing while fostering a culture of creativity and resourcefulness. Its approach inspires participants to view waste as opportunity and demonstrates how small, local actions can contribute to global sustainability. Beyond waste reduction, Blenderz promotes inclusivity and community well-being. Clothing is organized by size rather than gender, ensuring a welcoming shopping experience for everyone. The volunteer-driven model provides people of all abilities the chance to contribute meaningfully. In both environmental and human terms, Blenderz shows that sustainability thrives when community, creativity, and care come together to create real, measurable change.
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Sarah Janzen, Owner
Blenderz Garment Recyclers is a zero waste, zero export textile recycling organization in Edmonton, Alberta that tackles the global crisis of textile waste through local, circular solutions. By intercepting unsellable clothing destined for export or landfill, Blenderz advances several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Through upcycling, community workshops, and inclusive volunteer programs, Blenderz empowers individuals to engage in sustainable practices while reducing the environmental footprint of textile disposal.