Sierra Students Set-up Swap Shop

Submitted by Dayle Edinborugh

A group of students at Sierra High have identified a need that is two-fold; fashion is becoming a major waste concern for our world and some students may want or need something new in their closet. This, matched with the need to utilize an existing program providing clothes to students, called the Sierra Boutique; a solution was born, “Swap Shop.”.

Fast fashion is rapid, daily changes in trendy clothing with a philosophy of quick, easy manufacturing and low, affordable prices. We buy an article of clothing, wear it a limited amount of times, then turn around and dispose of it. Although this is convenient for consumers, the economy is taking a hit because of excessive, wasted clothes. For example, 84% of used clothing donations end up in landfills each year. Excess, used clothing ends up getting sent to third world countries and becomes just another bag of trash.

Charity clothing drives such as Goodwill and The Salvation Army are overwhelmed with unwanted clothing, so thousands of clothing items per year end up in landfills.Modern clothing is manufactured with mostly non-recyclable materials such as polyesters or synthetic materials, therefore used clothing cannot be broken down to make new clothing.

To help make a positive change in the world of fast fashion, Sierra High ASB has created a “Swap Shop”, formally known as Swap For Good. Swap For Good is for you to donate used clothing or to come shop for free. Any Jr. high or high school student is welcomed. The shop can be used by any students, even those who have a creative flare and just want to re-use or re-design making their own styles.

So far, we’ve collected tops, bottoms, shoes, hats, accessories, formal dresses, and boys formal wear. You can come and get any of it completely free of charge. If you wish to donate, feel free to bring your items to the ASB room.

Donations can be made from the public, but please keep in mind the space is limited and the audience for the shop is students, aged 12-18. “This is our contribution to a better economy and we’d love for you to be a part of it,” said Kacey Heirnedt Swap Shop organizer. Swap for Good will be opening Friday, January 31st at lunch. If you haven’t already, follow the Swap for Good Instagram page (shs_swap4good) for updates and new arrivals. Thank you!

Photo: Maddy McDivitt, Emily Edinborough, Dayle Edinborough, Maddie Wait, Ireland Allen, Sophie McConnell, Averie Furrer, Kacey Heirnedt, Emma Zelasko, Anela Bautista. Missing Kekoa Alexander.