Ever find that trying to be healthy and green is just overwhelming these days? It’s like – CONSUMING us. And that’s a good thing, totally – but I mean, just how bad of shape is the earth in that we’re all so concerned anymore?
We’ve all read Al Gore’s book, we’ve all seen the pink slime in McNuggets, and we are all aware (hopefully) that GMOs are something we should steer clear of. So okay, I’ve been making a lot of changes – I’ve gone from dairy to Almond Milk, we use reusable GlassDharma Glass Straws instead of plastic, we use chemical-free plant-based house cleaning products and air fresheners, and even organic baby shampoo. But one thing I didn’t think about is clothing.
WE GO THROUGH SO MANY CLOTHES. Or should I say, Maximo does. Kids grow way too fast to be investing in pricey items, but still – I have an entire storage full of bins of clothes since he was born that I am just holding onto incase……you know the moment I get rid of them I will end of pregnant. Baseball players may have the most superstitions, but us moms hold on to baby clothes.
Last week we had the planet march here in NYC, and the week before that, I got to sit in on the global launch of #GlobalFashionExchange.
This is what I learned at the launch of Global Fashion Exchange:
The tendency to buy garments, use them until new purchases are made and then discard them in the trash is a worldwide problem in areas with high levels of consumption. One of the simplest and most sustainable ways to give garments greater longevity is to provide them with a second life with a new owner.
This is the mission of Global Fashion Exchange: To promote sustainable consumption patterns, such as reusing and recycling, around the globe.
Even a small change in consumption patterns will mean a huge impact on a global scale.
How Does It Work?
Courtesy of Danish Fashion Institute
It’s really simple. You just bring clothes you don’t want anymore, and you swap. Little Swappies has been doing this for a few years now with just kids clothes here in NYC (and we’re HUGE fans – they actually have another swap coming up on December 7, 2014.). The beauty about this, is there are some seriously major brands backing up this world-wide initiative. H&M and Ford have jumped on board (of course because Ford is the green machine of the year!) which means you won’t be finding old rags at this event.
You bring a few gently used items – remember one persons trash is another persons treasure! And then you get to take home whatever you want.
They put it to the test. They asked us to bring an item or two, and not say why. Once they unveiled the “swap” we were all able to rush in and persue all the stuff – which also included a lot of designer items! I walked away with this beautiful (and warm) organic, sample sweater from H&M (it’s actually for sale in the stores right now for $49!).
And this unknown designer bird tee – which I must say, I have gotten MANY compliments upon wearing – and it was FREE people!
Look cute thanks to free clothes even when you’re having a mom breakdown from all these green choices out there. You can do it, mom!
What a brilliant idea. We get new clothes for free, we get to help save the environment, and we get to to be shining examples for our children, paving the way for even more and larger swaps as they grow older.
Upcoming Events (including NYC!):
The first United States Swap will take place on the red carpet in LA, ANDDDDDDDDDD (drum roll….) it’s coming to NYC in the spring to an exclusive event in Times Square – and guess who’s going to get an invite – YOU. (If you’re following my blog, ahem).
Stay tuned for more updates – and start making a pile of clothes you no longer wear to bring to swap!
I love your new sweater. This is a great idea. I love the concept and I am totally into attending the event. Cant wait to hear more details.
So cool. I totally want to go. I try very hard to recycle my textiles!