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Written by: Emily Morano and Leena El-Said
Photos by: Leena El-Said
Contributor: Tamanna Singh
Thrifting has become very popular over the last few years as more people turn to sustainable shopping alternatives to combat the environmental crisis. The exchanging and repurchasing of clothing allows for more reduction, reusing, and recycling while creating less waste and overconsumption. Thrifting is also affordable, promoting the accessibility of fashion and the exploration of style to all. To promote this sustainability, TAB’s Eco Club organized a Thrift Swap event - an opportunity for Blakelock students and staff to exchange and donate their gently-used clothing for an eco-friendly cause.
Zania Jackson (left) and Sarah Somai (right) help run the Thrift Swap.
Eco Club members collected clothing donations for the Thrift Swap from Monday, December 12th to Wednesday, December 14. The main event, which took place in the seminar room in the Library Learning Commons, was held on Wednesday, December 14th, during lunch. Many students dropped off their gently used clothing to exchange items for the same amount of clothing they provided, or they donated $2-5 to take any piece of their choosing. The leftover pieces and garments are to be donated to the Salvation Army.
Many members of the TAB community came to show their support for Eco Club’s initiative; everything from shoes to old prom dresses was brought in, with students and teachers donating their unique clothing items. The atmosphere was said to be “vibrant” and “exciting,” as Holiday Music played while students browsed through the donated clothing for pieces that interested them.
Grade 12 student Ava Maleki participated in the event and said: “I think we can recycle clothes - I love that. We have enough clothing in this industry, so why not take someone’s old clothes and make it new for someone else. I found five clothing items… I think it was a really fun eco-friendly idea. We should definitely do it again!”
The main takeaway from the Thrift Swap was to encourage sustainable fashion alternatives while also allowing students or struggling families to exchange or purchase clothing - particularly considering the effects of the pandemic. In the end, the event successfully collected pieces for donation and many people got their hands on some fantastic clothing items. It was a great way to get TAB involved in the goal of environmental sustainability and ethical fashion. Students also had lots of fun exploring unique items to add to their own wardrobes.
Isabela Decary showing off a unique Stranger Things sweatshirt.
Eco Club meets every Thursday in room South 111. Contact Eco Club’s President Hannah Kohler for details!
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