National Outdoor Expo exhibitor Dirtbags Climbing reuses textile waste to make new products for the climbing community. In our workshop in Kendal we unpick and restitch textiles to breathe new life into products originally bound for landfill. Reusing keeps the main components of products and parts whereas ‘recycling’ by definition means to break down chemically and to process. Reuse is a low carbon solution, with a low environmental impact, so we are able to keep plastic-based textiles in the system without chemically altering the way recycling does. Not bad, not bad at all.
1. What can visitors expect to find at your stand at the show?
Chalk bags, belts, climbing accessories and small bags. All made in Cumbria and using mainly repurposed materials.
2. Will you have any product launches or exclusive products available at the show?
We will have a limited edition run of kit bags not available to buy online. We also will have a collection point where you can drop off old outdoor kit for us to recycle and reuse.
3. Where is your favourite place to enjoy the great outdoors?
We live in the Lake District, and are constantly finding new adventures, new places to climb and to swim and to explore. We will never get bored of living here.
4. What is your one piece of advice for newcomers?
Say yes, try new things – even if it doesn’t work out. We have found that sometimes it is the days where everything goes wrong, where you get wet through and end up just sitting in your car watching the weather and playing cards – that you end up laughing about in years’ time.
5. Who do you love to follow on social for outdoor inspiration?
Our friend @gillymcarthur and the @wonderfulwildwomen team are incredible. They have a sense of fun, adventure and have created an inspiring and inclusive community for women getting into the outdoors.
Dirtbags Climbing reduces the amount of textile waste generated by the outdoor recreation industry sent to landfill by collecting and reusing. We make chalk bags and accessories in the Lake District. We are excited to bring our products to Birmingham in March to show off what we do, how we do it, and what you can do to help reduce your waste by reusing and recycling your textiles. We love the outdoor community and love sharing our enthusiasm, not just for the outdoors – but caring for it too. See you there!
Jennifer Wood, Co-founder – Dirtbags Climbing
Why not Recycle?
