Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action promotes creative workshops on sustainable fashion - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática

The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, participated in the launch of a series of creative workshops on sustainable fashion, as part of the 16th Azores Waste Week, integrated into the 17th European Week for Waste Reduction, at the Tomás de Borba Basic Education and Secondary School in Angra do Heroísmo. 

Alonso Miguel noted that "in the Azores, due to their geographical location, archipelago characteristics and small size, there are increased challenges and significant additional costs associated with waste transport, management and processing."

The Regional Secretary stressed that "waste management and the promotion of the circular economy are priority matters for the Regional Government. As such, one of the main goals of the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action is to develop innovative solutions to ensure the reduction of waste production and a sustainable management model, especially for the types of waste posing greater challenges, such as textiles."

It was in this context, with the ongoing search for new solutions, that the INTERREG MAC — TEXTIL: Weaving a Sustainable Future project emerged, with a budget of about €200,000 to implement measures in the Azores between 2025 and 2027. 

Alonso Miguel explained that “this project aims to boost the circular economy in the textile sector, reduce imports and dependence on unsustainable textiles, promoting reuse, recycling and efficient management of textile waste in the Macaronesia regions, namely the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands and African partner countries.”

The Regional Secretary emphasised that “the project intends to promote the transition to a more sustainable production and consumption model, reducing the proportion of textile waste incinerated or deposited in landfill. It also encourages its reuse and recycling through technological solutions, creativity, as well as management and cooperation adapted to the regional context.”

The government official revealed that “this project, which is of great importance to the Region, involves regional and local governments, academia, namely the participation of several universities, such as the University of the Azores, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, La Laguna in Tenerife, Cape Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe, among other technological centres. It also includes civil society organisations and NGOs, such as AJITER and the Gaspar Frutuoso Foundation, as well as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Madeira." 

Alonso Miguel stressed that "we need to take action, innovate and change habits. In reality, textile waste management is not only the responsibility of governments, companies or the fashion industry. It is a collective responsibility, but also an individual one, for each of us, which begins with small actions in our daily lives." 

"As part of this project, and in the context of the 16th Azores Waste Week, a series of 10 creative workshops on sustainable fashion and environmental awareness is now beginning. These will take place on all the islands of the Azores, as well as online, to show how textile waste can be given a new lease of life," he stressed.

The Secretary for the Environment stated that "the aim is to stimulate the creativity, motivation and critical thinking of participants, demonstrating that it is possible to transform used clothing into new products, create sustainable fashion, or simply extend the life of clothing and fashion accessories." 

Under the coordination of the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, the 17th European Week for Waste Reduction will take place between November 22 and 30, simultaneously with the 16th Azores Waste Week, under the theme "Turn on the value, turn off the waste."  The aim is to raise awareness among the community about the importance of reducing waste and promoting the adoption of more sustainable practices, fostering a circular economy. 

Alonso Miguel revealed that "during this week, 114 awareness-raising actions will be promoted in the Azores, with 20 in Pico, 23 in São Miguel, 12 in Terceira, 14 in Faial, nine in Santa Maria, 10 in Graciosa, nine in São Jorge, 12 in Flores and five in Corvo. They will cover the five thematic areas of the initiative, namely: Cleaning actions; Reuse and preparation for reuse; Prevention and reduction at source; Waste sorting and recycling; and a thematic focus area, Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment. 

Alonso Miguel also mentioned that "143 entities are participating in the Region, including public administration entities, local authorities, private companies, waste management entities and operators, school establishments, environmental associations and NGOs, as well as individuals."

"These actions, developed at a regional level, are primarily intended to raise awareness of proper waste management, to disseminate the appropriate destination, and promote prevention and reduction at source, thus contributing to minimising waste production on each island," he concluded.