Clothes Swap: Eco-Conscience

A clothing swap is a type of swapmeet wherein participants exchange their valued but no longer used clothing for clothing they will use. Clothing swaps are considered not only a good way to refill one’s wardrobe, but also are considered an act of environmentalism.It is also used to get rid of and obtain specialist clothing.

There’s a new way to recycle your closet and find great deals on stylish clothing, and it’s been growing in the past couple of years: closet swaps. Here’s the general concept: You bring your slightly worn clothing and accessories to the event, you get credits according to the value of what you contribute, and you use those credits to pick out items from other swappers.  Since not all communities are full of women ready to open their closets, founder Jennifer Lee created a web space where people can share the clothes that no longer have a place in their wardrobe and find new items. And it’s almost free.

These types of associations request people to get clothes that would fir anyone, such as sarees, long flowy skirts or beach dresses. The clothes are first inspected for quality, and then hung on racks, where one can pick whatever the person wanted.

The fashio industry is the second most polluting one in the world. Textile dyeing is the second largest polluter of water globally, responsible for up to 20% of global fresh water pollution. Today with a growing awareness of fast fashion’s impact on the environment and an increasing interest in sustainable living, clothes swap parties are getting popular across the country.

Everyone has, in his/her closet, at least a few items of clothing that have hardly been worn, either because they don’t fit or don’t appeal to the owner anymore. But all of them have a life or appeal that others may enjoy. In India, many people, including dignitaries are spreading the message of reuse. Swapping events are being held in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Begaluru,  and now, Chennai.

Clothes swaps do have some ground rules:

• All clothes have to be in good condition- some insist they be washed and ironed.
• Night clothes, socks, lingerie are not allowed.
• You get the same number of clothes that you part with.

Much of the dialogue on sustainable fashion is about ethically made clothes but these clothes are also very costly.  Every item of clothing one own is sustainable, so if another one is not using it, why not trade it with others. Now, these parties have a quality checking team to ensure only clothes in good condition are accepted. Also, if one don’t find enough items of clothing that appeal to him/her, no need to worry, now coupons are being credited to for the next event. The event attract different kinds of people- some who swear by sustainable living, and others who want a wardrobe makeover at no extra cost.

References:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clothing_swap
2. https://www.themuse.com/advice/need-a-new-wardrobe-try-a-clothing-swap
3. Times of India, Ahmedabad, Thursday, 17th January, 2019.

By: Dr. Bhawana Asnani.

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