A couple of days ago I attended a training event with our funder Climate Challenge Fund,
One of the highlights was a discussion about attitudes to second hand clothing. On the negative side we talked about:
- people’s desire to wear the latest fashion or to fit in with cultural norms and expectations
- people’s distaste for clothing that’s been worn by something else
- laziness – it’s often quicker to find a specific item in a chain store than in a second hand shop
- stigma – the feeling that you’ll be looked down on if you buy second hand
On the positive side we talked about:
- creativity – creating your own look or customising old clothes to make something new
- saving money – you can often find good brands at low prices in second hand shops (though some discount stores are often cheaper than second hand)
- more and more clothing designers and fashion retailers are using up-cycled materials in their productions, making the idea fashionable in itself
- the environmental benefits of reducing waste
Ever since I was a student, I have bought all my clothes second hand (except for underwear). I often buy 2nd hand shoes too.
Part of the Granton Goes Greener Project is the clothing swap shop which is already an ongoing part of the Granton Parish Church community but is set to expand in the very near future! You bring in good quality clothing that no longer fits and swap it for something else.
We want donations of good quality used clothing. The swap shop isn’t an excuse to clear out your wardrobe just for the sake of it but part of a circular clothing economy that tries to extend the life of clothing and reduce waste (see this article). We want individuals to both bring clothing in and take clothing away. Having said that, we won’t turn away donations and we’re happy for people in need to take items of clothing even if they don’t have anything to donate.
Clothes swapping is becoming quite trendy now with Swishing parties being very popular.
The Swap Shop will feature at the launch of Granton Goes Greener which will happen between 12 noon and 3pm on Saturday 30 June.