Bex Mitchell, Clothing Sustainability Speaker Australia
I am a passionate and engaging clothing sustainability speaker and clothes upcycling advocate.
I’m Bex Mitchell, founder of Second Life Upcycling and a passionate clothing sustainability speaker. I work with companies, communities, councils, and organisations to inspire people to rethink their relationship with fashion and clothing. Through engaging talks and interactive events, I make sustainability feel easy, practical, and even fun.
With over 30 years of professional experience running a digital marketing agency and a lifelong passion for sustainable living, I bring a unique mix of corporate understanding and creative drive to every event. Through Second Life Upcycling, I’ve built a platform to help people rediscover the joy of reusing, repairing, and rethinking their wardrobes.
Testimonial
“I wanted to say a huge thank you for being part of our Clothing Swap Event. Your workshop was such a highlight – we received so much great feedback on the session. As well, your idea of supporting residents during the swap and making yourself available for advice was fantastic – it created such a positive and welcoming atmosphere. I also really appreciate the time and effort you put into helping set up beforehand and packing down afterwards. It was an absolute pleasure working with you, and I’d love to do so again in the future.” – Michelle Bird, Resource Recovery Education Officer, The Hills Shire Council.
Why talk about clothing sustainability?
The fashion industry is one of the most polluting in the world, with fast fashion fuelling overproduction, waste, water use, and carbon emissions. In Australia alone, around 300,000 tonnes of clothing end up in landfill each year, while the average person buys 56 new garments annually — one of the highest rates in the world.
By addressing clothing sustainability in the workplace, organisations can take real steps toward reducing environmental impact while empowering staff to make better choices that extend beyond their work life.
Event outcomes
- Staff feel inspired and motivated to take action.
- Teams gain practical strategies for reducing fashion waste.
- Organisations demonstrate real commitment to sustainability and ESG goals.
- Events create lasting conversations that ripple beyond the workplace.
Inspiration
My sessions combine the hard facts with encouragement, showing people that small changes can have a big impact. The focus is always on empowerment and achievable solutions, leaving audiences energised rather than overwhelmed.
Delivery and speaking style
My style is warm, engaging, and relatable. I weave together storytelling, practical advice, and interactive elements to ensure every audience feels included and inspired. I believe sustainability should feel empowering (not daunting).
Clothing Sustainability Events
Clothing sustainability speaking
Engaging talks and keynote sessions that highlight the impact of fast fashion, the importance of circular fashion, and practical ways to reduce clothing waste. Perfect for conferences, team days, wellness programs, and sustainability initiatives.
Event format ideas
- Conference or Team Day Session: A longer presentation or panel discussion that dives deeper into fast fashion, circular fashion, and sustainable wardrobe strategies, tailored to fit into larger programs.
- Interactive Workshop: A 1–2 hour session blending presentation with audience participation, encouraging discussion, reflection, and practical action steps.
- Lunchtime Talk: A concise, engaging keynote that delivers the key facts about clothing sustainability and practical takeaways staff can start using immediately.
Clothing swap events
Clothing swaps are all about sharing and exchanging. Staff bring in pre-loved garments they no longer wear, and swap them for “new-to-them” pieces. It’s a fun, interactive way to refresh a wardrobe without buying new, while reducing textile waste and promoting conscious consumption. Swaps create a buzz in the workplace and are a simple way to engage staff in sustainability.
Event format ideas
- Lunchtime Swap: Quick and engaging, perfect for busy workplaces.
- Half-Day Swap + Talk: More in-depth, with time for workshops and interaction.
- Themed Events: Seasonal swaps (e.g., workwear, winter coats, festive outfits).
Clothes upcycling events
Clothes upcycling events focus on transforming and reimagining. Instead of swapping, staff bring in items they don’t wear, that no longer fit, or that are sitting unused in their wardrobes. Together, we explore what can be done with them — whether it’s altering, repairing, restyling, or repurposing.
These sessions are hands-on and creative, showing participants that even the most overlooked garments can be given a second life. No sewing experience is required, and staff leave with fresh, practical ideas they can try at home. Upcycling events not only save clothes from landfill but also spark inspiration to make more sustainable fashion choices long-term.
Event format ides
- Lunchtime Upcycling Session: A short, interactive workshop where staff bring in a few garments and learn quick, practical ideas to refresh, alter, or restyle them. Perfect for busy workplaces.
- Half-Day Upcycling Workshop + Talk: A more hands-on experience combining an inspiring sustainability talk with guided upcycling activities, giving participants time to explore creative solutions for their clothes.
- Themed Events: Tailored sessions based on your company’s needs — for example, workwear transformations, restyling casual wear, or preparing wardrobes for seasonal changes.
Relax, I’ve got everything covered…
I can take care of every detail to make your clothing swap seamless and impactful, providing everything needed for a smooth, memorable event. If preferred, I’m also happy to collaborate with your team to tailor the event to your specific goals and requirements.
Event planning and logistics
I’ll coordinate the entire process, from setting up clothing collection points to sorting, displaying, and organising items into an easy-to-browse “swap shop” format. Everything is handled with care so your team simply shows up and enjoys the experience.
Promotion materials
To build excitement before the event, I provide ready-to-use posters, digital flyers, and internal communication templates. These encourage participation, maximise engagement, and help spread the word across your workplace.
Event hosting
On the day, I take the lead in managing the swap, welcoming participants, explaining how it works, and making sure the event feels inclusive, engaging, and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Inspiring talk or workshop
Alongside the swap, I deliver a tailored session on clothing sustainability. This could be a short presentation or interactive workshop, highlighting the impact of fast fashion and sharing simple, practical ways staff can rethink their wardrobes.
Optional add-ons
To take the event even further, I can include styling tips, live upcycling demonstrations, or fun sustainability challenges to keep the momentum going and inspire lasting change well beyond the swap.
Testimonial
“Thanks Bex. I am sure your session will compel us to make thoughtful, informed choices when shopping and how we treat our clothes.” – Adeline Lim, Alexion Pharmaceuticals Australasia
Event logistics examples
Event duration
- Short keynotes (20–30 mins)
- 1–2 hour workshops
- Half-day or full-day programs with hands-on activities
- Lunchtime events
Event locations
- At your workplace or office
- At your chosen event location
- Virtually, for teams spread across different sites
Get in Touch
If you’d like to host an event that inspires, educates, and engages your staff or community, I’d love to hear from you.
Bex Mitchell
0418 118 401
Send an SMS
[email protected]
Testimonial
“The event was a great success, and we’re excited about the possibility of building on this with more events in the future. I also heard you captivated the audience with your presentation and generously stayed on to share valuable tips during the swap—thank you for going the extra mile! We look forward to working with you again soon.” – Peter Tennant, Senior Resource Recovery Program Officer, The Hills Shire Council.