For every problem, there’s a creative solution just waiting to be discovered.
Each month, more than 500 tons of textiles from the City of Laredo’s ropa usadas are dumped into the city landfill, wasting clothing and mountains of fabrics that could still find good use while solving affordability and sustainability.
Laredo Thrift and Center for Creative Reuse (LTCCR), a registered Texas nonprofit, is taking ambitious action by inviting Laredo businesses to partner with the organization on its first sustainable fashion show fundraiser set for Wednesday, July 29th at historic Casa Ortiz.
This inaugural event, styled "Reconstructed:A Sustainable Fashion Event," celebrates sustainability, environmental stewardship, and creative innovation by showcasing fashions designed entirely from recycled and upcycled textiles sourced from local ropa usada warehouses. Unsellable or surplus materials — items typically designated for disposal — are transformed into original garments that highlight the power and potential of creative reuse.
“LTCCR came about after I moved to Laredo in late 2022, and my mother-in-law told me about the ropa usadas, which left me in awe at the mountains of clothing that were on the warehouse floors,” explained LTCCR Founder/Director Heather García. “As I kept digging, I kept finding vintage treasures. Then I noticed the flow of dump trucks that head out of town, loaded to the top with textiles, most of which were still usable.
“I wanted to do something about it. My goal for LTCCR is to have a space where we can have the warehouses dump to me instead of the landfill, with most of it going to our pay-by-pound thrift shop. We will keep it affordable so that clothing, blankets, and coats can be in circulation, both via sales and via donations to human and animal shelters locally and nationwide,” García said.
She and her six-person board have established relationships with several Laredo-area nonprofits. LTCCR aims to provide coats, socks and blankets to Bethany House & Holding Center, and maternity and children’s clothing to the Laredo Life Center and Casa Esperanza. Local animal shelters will also benefit from the donation of unsellable linens and blankets for pet care.
The overall goal for the “Reconstructed” event is to establish funding for the headquarters from which LTCCR plans to operate. The evening will feature a two-room textile exhibit of the fanciest vintage fashion finds García has discovered in area warehouses, as well as a fashion show by eight recycled and upcycled fashion designers who are based both locally and in San Antonio, DFW and Tucson.
George Washington Jr. will regale guests with an intermission performance. Guest speakers are Bishop Wagener, the Director of the City of Laredo’s Environmental Services and Solid Waste, and Janice Lardey, TAMIU Instructional Assistant of Art.
Casa Ortiz, located at 915 Zaragoza St., will open its doors at 7:30 p.m. The show begins at 8:30 p.m. Admission is $20 and tickets are available at the door or online in advance athttps://laredothrift.my.canva.site.
LTCCR is seeking sponsorship and general support to ensure the success of this inaugural event. Contributions may include monetary donations or in-kind services. All sponsors will be recognized during the event and across promotional materials, in accordance with sponsorship level.
By supporting this event, businesses will have the opportunity to demonstrate a clear commitment to sustainability and waste reduction; align with community values and environmentally responsible practices; support a local nonprofit addressing the impacts of fast fashion through creative reuse.
All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. LTCCR welcomes the possibility of discussing sponsorship levels or customized recognition options.
