Action Tips: Host a Clothing Swap

Sometimes you've just got to part with that t-shirt or pair of pants that doesn't match your jersey or whose stripes aren't good for your body type. But if the item is still in good condition, host a clothing swap between a bunch of friends so no clothing goes to waste (think clothes recycling). If you swap, you can avoid buying more stuff that requires energy and resources to produce.

Start the party

Contact a whole bunch of friends of different shapes and sizes. Arrange somewhere for everyone to meet, preferably a home in which there's room for people to try clothes on.

Get the goods

Have everyone organize wash their clothing beforehand. When the goods arrive, place the items in piles based on size and condition of the clothing so you can have a corner for "Never been worn tee-shirts, kids sizes" or "Used denim pants, size 10-16".

Swap!

Let people browse each other's things and take what they can use.

Fix it up

Make sure to have a sewing kit on hand to fix up minor holes or other damage. Scissors are crucial too- one person's big ol' t-shirt can be the next person's beach cover-up.

You can make your own all-natural stain remover with combinations of vinegar, ammonia, baking soda, and water or buy some all-natural stain remover that doesn't have scary chemicals.

Leftovers

If you have any unclaimed clothing after the swap that's wearable, by all means donate it to a local homeless shelter or Salvation Army. For your unwearable leftovers, be creative and repurpose them. Torn shirts work as washable rags. Denim makes excellent insulation and can also be buried in your garden or lawn as mulch.