By Maisha Hasan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
In search of new clothes or something to do this weekend? Perhaps both? If so, BurlingtonGreen has you covered with its upcoming Clothing Swap event on Saturday, May 31, at Burlington Central Park Bandshell from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Each item you bring equates to one ticket, and one ticket means a new-to-you item to bring home. Aside from the clothing swap, the event includes button-making, a kids’ area, free refreshments, and knowledge about the environmental impact of fast fashion, with resources available throughout the event.
Any leftover items from the event will be donated to the Compassion Society, an organization that responds to Halton’s need for hygiene products, food, clothes, and more through local resources.
BurlingtonGreen Senior Program Coordinator Kale Black answers some key questions about the event below.
Has BurlingtonGreen hosted previous clothing swaps?
There have been others in Burlington before, so we are certainly not the first, but this is our first year hosting a clothing swap.
What are the guidelines for the clothing swap? What would participants bring and steer clear of?
We ask folks to bring their clothing to drop off between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. and then participate in the swap between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. We ask that all items be in good enough condition to give to a friend. We are accepting clothing, shoes, hats, and accessories. Participants will want to stay clear of anything that is not in great condition.
What is the process of cleaning, collecting, and handling the clothes?
We have asked that all clothing we receive be freshly laundered, and we have already received more than 100 items ahead of the event on Saturday. From 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., as folks are dropping off their items, our team of volunteers will begin sorting the contents into the different sizes so it is easy for attendees to find items that fit them. The event is outdoors, so we will have racks set up under tents as well as tables to display the clothing, shoes, and accessories.
Why do you think clothing swaps and thrifting are gaining traction lately?
I think it is a combination of things. I think that people are becoming more aware of the environmental impacts of clothing, and times are also increasingly tough economically. Thrifting and exchanging are both great ways to get new-to-you items at a lower cost.
What impact do clothing swaps have on fashion waste?
Clothing swaps are extremely and immediately effective [against fashion waste]. It allows folks to give their own items that no longer spark joy for them a new life, as well as get “new” items for their wardrobe that were already in existence.
One pair of jeans takes about 9000 L of water to create, a regular cotton t-shirt takes about 2700 L and 1/3rd lb of pesticides to create. Every pair of pants that finds a new life has the potential to save thousands of litres of water if it prevents the person from buying a new item. Clothing, especially fast fashion, has a big environmental impact, and the more we reuse and repurpose, the better it is for the Earth!
What do you hope participants gain from this event? Aside from clothes.
Our goal is that folks are able to learn a few things about the impact of clothing, have the opportunity to connect with their neighbours, and make new friends, in addition to walking away with a few items of clothing and enjoying some snacks. We are passionate about bringing like-minded people together and helping create a stronger and more resilient Burlington.
To register for the event and learn more information, visit the BurlingtonGreen website.
