Boy, 8, turns drab to fab with new upcycling business

Eight-year-old George Weller is tie-dying his way to less landfill by giving used T-shirts a second chance at a colourful life.

George Weller, 8, has started a T-shirt upcycling business. He buys shirts at op shops and tie dyes them at home then irons on his logos. Photo Patrick Woods / Sunshine Coast Daily.

EIGHT-YEAR-OLD George Weller is tie-dying his way to less landfill by giving used T-shirts a second chance at a colourful life.

After realising the large amount of textile waste put into landfill George used his eco-friendly mindset to create upcycling business Wave Munchers, six months ago.

George said tie-dying shirts sourced from local op shops was the perfect way to upcycle.

"The first time we did it (tie-dying) for fun, but I really wanted to save the environment by getting some T-shirts from op shops and tie-dying them so less goes to landfill," he said.

Selling his colourful creations on his website and at markets and pop-up shops George's mother Victoria Weller said his endeavour to save the planet had taught him valuable lessons.

"I think it's very practical learning about business and things … he is learning that money pays for things and maybe he could save up to buy things," she said.

"He raised $300 and donated it to IFYS in Maroochydore, in the form of vouchers, for the kids to have on Christmas Day.

"So not only is he helping the op shops and reducing landfill but every year he gives away part of what he makes."

The Pacific Paradise State School student said he loved helping the environment and the community but was also excited about what his new source of money could bring.

"My favourite part is making pocket money," he said.

"In the future I could do a drone market and I could put some T-shirts on the drones and deliver them," he said.

Mrs Weller said helping George had made her "realise how much people throw away" and said she would love people to donate their old T-shirts.

"Reusing all those T-shirts is so satisfying," she said.

For more information visit: http://www.wavemunchers.com.au/.