Inspiration for the Future - Sustainable Swapping
As you may already know, KEEPER is gearing up for a major change as we expand into more space at Cupola House. Thinking about how we inspire sustainability as a brand is a major part of this move. Our shops commitment to sustainability is stronger than ever, so in the spirit of inspiring it, we wanted to share some of the takeaways from our recent curated clothing swap and also some pointers for how you can host your own!
The curated clothing swap at KEEPER was SO much fun! Friends and locals alike joined us in connecting over style and sustainable fashion at the shop. We had a blast, trying on different styles, talking about them, where they came from, or even why we were passing them along, etc. This time of year is ideal for hosting events like this - not only because it's quiet in the county, but the new year also sparks a desire for change and transformation, no matter where you live.
First a little back story. Last year, KEEPER and a local non-profit partnered up to host a clothing exchange for the Door County community. The overwhelming turnout left a lasting impression on us. We were amazed by the amount of clothing that was brought in, and that not all pieces were suitable for attendees to take home. Unfortunately there were a lot of leftovers that would have to be donated or thrown away. This is something we've known about, but seeing it in person was really eye opening. It got us thinking about how as a brand KEEPER can encourage mindful consumption, but also rehoming and donating. When giving away clothing (weather at a swap or for donation) it's really good to consider their potential beforehand.
According to statistics, only a quarter of donated items are actually sold, while the rest end up in landfills or overseas. You know how sometimes with recycling you toss something in you think might be recyclable, when you're not so sure. They call this "hopeful recycling" and it actually causes big issues with the actually recyclable stuff! We like to think of donating apparel in the same way. Perhaps you have a shirt that's got a couple stains, and maybe a hole or is just not in good wearable condition (ignore this if we're talking about vintage Levis though) ;) Instead of a hopeful donation of these lesser value pieces, think about repurposing them in creative ways instead. Questions to consider before you swap or donate: is the item clean, is it ripped, stained, broken, shrunken etc? If the answer is yes to any or all over the above perhaps consider an alternative option.
At our curated swap, we limited tickets and donations, while maintaining an intimate atmosphere to better handle the volume of clothing. This increased the chances of items finding new homes and ensured that they will be worn again. We also emphasized curation. This sent a clear message to guests that we wouldn't just take anything, that pieces needed to be thoughtfully donated to the event. By limiting the number of items available for swapping and curating the space, there is a higher likelihood that these pieces will not only be worn but also resold after donation as well.
As your guests arrive, we recommend greeting them with all the necessary information. Clearly outline the plan for the event, allowing attendees to feel both enthusiastic and confident about the game-plan. In our experience, participants are more likely to bring home and reuse items when given the freedom to select and decide for themselves, so we didn't have any limits on the number of items they could take home. While not everything will be claimed, leaving every option open will lead to more experimentation and more probability of items being taken home - which is the ultimate goal!
The most sustainable fashion is that which already exists and is frequently worn. Simply wearing clothes for 9 more months can reduce carbon, water, and waste footprints by 20-30%! Making conscious choices truly makes a difference when it comes to sustainability in fashion.
Another tip we have is to inform guests that they can reclaim their items if they're not spoken for at the end of the event. If they're not interested in donating, they can take their pieces back or share them with someone else who might appreciate them. Any leftovers are welcome to be taken as well. The less you have to donate, the better. Remember, the goal of this swap is to put more mileage on clothing.
There's currently enough clothing in the world to clothe the next 6 generations, an unfathomable fact caused by the rise of fast fashion and overconsumption today.
Here's a quick breakdown of our tips below:
1. Have a game-plan
2. Keep it small and intimate
3. Emphasize curation
4. Limit the amount guests bring but not the amount they're allowed to take home
5. Share the burden of leftovers
We'd love to hear from you! Do you plan to host a clothing swap in the future, or perhaps you've already hosted or attended one and have more tips to add. Email us at info@keeperdoorco.com to share in the success of sustainable events, we'd love to hear from you!