Signs of Spring can be found around campus through sprouting daisies, blooming trees, and chirping birds. With the changing seasons comes warm weather, which leaves students longing for a wardrobe refresh. In order to sustainably fulfill student fashion needs, the Recycled Closet Club (RCC) hosted a thrift swap on the 20th and 21st of April. Prior to the swap, the club spread word of the event with handmade posters and stylish Instagram posts.
Junior Gabriella Schaumleffel looks through clothes at the swap.
These advertisements encouraged both students and staff to donate their used clothing pieces as part of their spring cleaning. RCC Secretary Melissa Schneider defined the purpose of the swap to be “spring cleaning and being able to get rid of older clothes that you don’t wear anymore without just throwing them away.”
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the US landfills alone receive about 11.3 million tons of textile waste yearly. Even a small act can help mitigate this issue, and the spring clothing swap is a perfect start.
Junior and sustainable fashion lover Darragh Hoffman admires the swaps non-consumptive nature.
“There is so much clothing that goes to waste and this stuff is pretty new. It’s nice that I don’t have to go out and buy it, and it’s better for the environment to not be making new clothes all the time,” Hoffman said.
“It provides access to free clothes for a lot of people. It removes any stigma because anyone can go up and grab clothes that they need or want.”
– Ally Branch
Senior
The swap featured vintage pieces, modern pieces, shoes, accessories, and prom dresses. All for free. RCC Treasurer Ally Branch feels that the ubiquitous absence of cost reduces any stigma.
“It provides access to free clothes for a lot of people. It removes any stigma because anyone can go up and grab clothes that they need or want,” Branch said.
Junior Emma Kyndesen sorts through a rack of free prom dresses during the RCC swap held April 21st.
Students greatly appreciate the swap’s free garments.
“The clothes are good quality, and for kids who don’t often get new clothes, it’s really good,” said Hoffman.
Hoffman shared that she and her friends had an incredible time, “10/10… 11/10 I love it and I’m having a great time,” she rated the event while browsing for clothes.
“The clothes are good quality, and for kids who don’t often get new clothes, it’s really good.”
– Darragh Hoffman
Junior
RCC club members hope that they will have more lively swaps to come and Branch encourages students to “look through their closets in case of any future events.”
