Collaborating for Reuse Pathways in the Northern Territory

The Australian Bedding Stewardship Council (ABSC), in partnership with the Remote OpShop Project, is leading an essential initiative to supply fit-for-purpose bedding to remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This project embodies our Redesign pillar, focusing on sustainable solutions tailored to community-specific needs, and our Reuse pillar, focusing on hygienic reuse of bedding that is not at end of life.

The Challenge

Many remote communities face significant barriers to accessing essential items, including suitable bedding. With over 150,000 First Nations people living across more than 1,000 remote communities, substandard living conditions, high costs, and logistical challenges make obtaining affordable, high-quality bedding extremely difficult. Available mattresses are often unsuitable for harsh outback environments and contribute to environmental degradation when discarded. Furthermore, health risks, such as mite infestations leading to chronic conditions like rheumatic heart disease, are exacerbated by limited access to clean water and proper maintenance facilities.

Tanya Egerton, CEO of the Remote OpShop Project, shared, “What we know is that 50% of people living in remote communities are sleeping on the floor. In one Central Desert community, out of 22 houses, six are condemned but still inhabited. Approximately half lack bedding and mattresses, and only one-third have a working fridge. This reflects the stark realities faced by many remote communities and underscores the urgent need for sustainable and equitable solutions to address these challenges.”

A Step Forward

To tackle these challenges directly, the ABSC and Remote OpShop Project are collaborating with ABSC members and industry partners to establish a facility in Darwin dedicated to refurbishing bedding that is still usable. This process includes sanitation, repair, and recovering bedding for redistribution through the Remote OpShop network, where it will be sold at fair prices. This initiative not only creates economic opportunities but also enhances social equity in remote communities. As part of our Reuse pillar, this project will provide improved bedding options for remote communities in the near term. Additionally, our industry partners are developing innovative refurbishment solutions to prevent clean, functional bedding from ending up in landfills.

Continuing the Journey

In consultation with remote First Nations communities, the ABSC and the Remote OpShop Project are collaborating with ABSC members and industry partners to co-create culturally appropriate, durable, and sustainable bedding. Read more here.

The ABSC partners with bedding manufacturers, suppliers, importers, and retailers to Rethink, Redesign, Reuse, and Recycle bedding, reducing waste and supporting practices that ensure that the bedding industry remains environmentally and commercially sustainable long into the future. Follow us on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date with our projects.

How to Get Involved

The Remote OpShop Project is seeking donations of comfort returns and excess stock from bedding retailers and manufacturers ready to make a meaningful impact in remote First Nations communities. Contact the ABSC directly at membership@bedding.org.au to get involved.