Swap shops provide an opportunity to reduce clothing waste and promote reuse. Shutterstock/KlavdiyaV
The impact of fast fashion on the environment
The fashion industry often faces criticism for its negative impact on the environment. A study by British Wool revealed that, on average, individuals own 76 clothing items but discard 72 each year. An EU report highlighted the prevalent issue of disposing of worn textiles, as repurposed and fast-fashion items often end up in African and Asian landfills. Recycling second-hand clothing isn't always the ideal solution, as the exported clothes’ fate becomes uncertain. Low-quality clothing is challenging for local communities to utilize or resell. Once the clothes are exported, there is no guarantee where they will end up or how they will be used. This situation raises concerns about the efficacy of recycling clothing. Annually, 92 million tonnes of textile waste are generated, ultimately finding its way into landfills.
Fast fashion contributes to pollution, resource depletion, and the release of greenhouse gases. Shutterstock/Neenawat khenyothaa
The rise of swap shops in encouraging circular fashion
In a ground-breaking move, eBay launched a limited-time pop-up swap shop for exchanging trainers in March. Swap shops are gaining traction among consumers looking to counteract the harmful effects of fast fashion, but are they effective? As buyers grow increasingly conscious of their ecological footprint, the fashion industry is shifting towards a greener, more sustainable future.
Swap shops play a crucial role by encouraging a closed-loop system within a circular fashion where clothes are traded, reused, or upcycled rather than thrown away. However, this does not entirely resolve the issue. Despite this challenge, there is hope for a more sustainable future for fashion. By engaging in swapping, consumers can decrease the need to purchase new clothes that end up in landfill, this ultimately reduces the fast toxic impact on the environment.
According to fashion academic Dr Sass Brown: “swap shops are not a circular solution but are an extension of its lifecycle and thereby work towards circularity.” Jade McSorley, founder of Loanhood stated: “The beauty of swap shops is that they are accessible to everyone because they are usually free or at an affordable price that allows for anyone to take part. The issue with sustainable fashion options is they tend to be at a luxury price in which people with disposable income can partake. Swap shops accept all types of items if they are in good condition. We ask that all items that are brought to be swapped are items that are in a good enough condition to be given as a gift to a friend”.
How swap shops are attracting a new generation of fashion lovers
As sustainability and ethical fashion gain increasing importance, young people are opting for swap shops to update their wardrobes without adding to the detrimental environmental effects of fast fashion. In response to this trend, swap shops are utilising social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to reach a wider audience. They attract young people with carefully composed content that features the latest finds and stylish outfit combinations.
Ursula Ndombe, a swap shop participant stated: “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure. I like swap shops because they’re a great alternative to thrift stores. Personally, for me, the quality of clothes is better. Sometimes I swap clothes to resell on Depop. It has become a source of business for me without the guilt of adding to the negative effects of fast fashion on the environment. I find swap shops through social media with the type of clothes that I like. I think I’m helping the environment because I don’t throw away the clothes I don’t wear; I swap them.”
Michelle Machila, a swap shop participant stated: “Some people look down on swap shops because they think the clothes are of bad quality or tacky, but you would be so surprised. The clothes are not bad quality some are even as good as new or new with tags if you’re lucky. I have been to a few swap shops and was able to trade a pair of trainers for a trendier pair. In swap shops, there is something for everyone. Eventbrite is where I usually find the next Swap shop event. Most of the swap shops I attend I sign up for them online. These swapping events are fun and great places to meet new like-minded people.”
Swap shops foster community and connection through fashion
Swap shops often promote a sense of community among participants, as people gather to exchange clothing and other items and socialise. They are more than simply a location to trade stuff; they also bring people together. Participants can mingle and become a part of a close-knit community dedicated to eco-friendly fashion and waste reduction. They not only swap garments but also share ideas on sustainable fashion approaches such as upcycling and mending, as well as debate environmental issues. They provide a fun, social environment for individuals interested in sustainable fashion, as well as a platform for making the world a greener place and best of all they are open to everyone.
They are a more affordable option for those seeking to spring clean and update their wardrobes. They also offer a more personalised shopping experience, as participants can select items that reflect their personal style and preferences.
McSorley said: “Swap shops bring communities together, especially after the pandemic it is very powerful for people to come together in a safe space and get a shopping fix but in a more sustainable way”.
Sustainable fashion's future: A collaborative effort
The concept of upcycling entails repurposing pre-existing materials, like used clothing, trainers’, bags, accessories and converting them into an upgraded superior quality. High street brands use circular fashion as part of a journey towards a sustainable strategy. H&M created a garment collecting programme that allows customers to bring unwanted clothes or textiles to their stores in exchange for vouchers to spend in store. Individuals and corporations must work together to tackle the effects of fast fashion. Unwearable swapped clothes can be turned into something else to prevent them from ending up in a landfill and affecting the environment.
Shoppers can contribute to sustainable fashion by making mindful choices. Shutterstock/ SeventyFour