The City of Cockburn’s inaugural Community Clothes Swap sold out in a matter of days but don’t worry, we’re already planning another one for spring.
City of Cockburn Waste Education Coordinator Clare Courtauld said it was heartening to see how many people were keen to participate in the City’s first clothes swap, revealing a thrifty yet fashion-conscious awareness among the local community.
“The fashion industry has a disastrous environmental impact and is the second largest polluter in the world. One way to address that disturbing fact is to wear more recycled fashion, which clearly Cockburn people are already doing,” Ms Courtauld said.
“Recent studies have showed that those who do op shop regularly have a more stylish fashion sense, so it’s great to think those who registered for our first Community Clothes Swap are not only fashionable but sustainably aware.”
Australians discard 800,000 tonnes of clothing and textiles each year, with 90 per cent of that ending up in landfill.
“Every year, Aussies acquire an average 27 kilos of new clothing per person and then throw out 23 kilos each year,” Ms Courtauld said.
“Community clothes swaps are becoming more commonplace because they are an easy way to exchange good quality, clean clothes you no longer want for something fresh to add to your wardrobe.
“We’ve all got those clothes, shoes and accessories in our wardrobes that we no longer want and perhaps have been meaning to pass on to someone else because they are just too good to throw away. These items are perfect for a clothes swap!
“It’s a great way to save money on fashion shopping and eliminating clothing being buried in landfill, which should be the absolute last resort.”
Ms Courtauld said the initiative was another example of the City striving to fulfill the WA Waste Strategy 2030.
“We are passionate about helping our community generate less waste, recover more value and resources from items that would traditionally have been seen as waste. This approach protects the environment by managing waste responsibly.”
Clothes and fashion items unclaimed at the event will be donated to the WA Good Sammy charity.
Keep an eye on City of Cockburn social media channels for information about similar events in the future.