Australia has recently taken the undesirable title of being the world’s largest consumer of textiles per capita, with Australians buying an average of 56 new clothing items per year. With much of this consumption driven by fast fashion, it's no surprise that over 200,000 tonnes of clothing end up in landfill annually—the equivalent of almost four Sydney Harbour Bridges in weight. These figures, revealed by new Australia Institute research, highlight the unsustainable nature of our shopping habits.
But what if there was a way to refresh your wardrobe, reduce your environmental footprint, and connect with your community? That’s where a Clothes Swap comes in!
Why Host a Clothes Swap?
Whether it's an intimate gathering with friends or a large event for your school, church or community group, a Clothes Swap is a fun, impactful way to tackle the fast fashion waste crisis.
Here’s how it helps:
- Give clothes a second life: Swapping helps keep garments in use longer, reducing waste, conserving resources, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
- Start meaningful conversations: A Clothes Swap provides the perfect opportunity to talk about ethical fashion and the importance of reducing our consumption.
- Refresh your wardrobe for free: Instead of buying new clothes, you can swap items, saving money and making a difference for the planet.
With fast fashion contributing to up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the need for solutions is clear. Not only do mountains of our discarded clothes end up in landfill in Australia, too many of these items are also dumped in countries in the Global South, where they fill up their landfills, pollute beaches and oceans and contribute to more emissions. It’s a problem that is hard to contain. And it’s not just about the environment—there’s a human cost, too. More than 60 million people work in the global fashion industry, many facing exploitation, modern slavery, and wages too low to live on.
Blue Mountains Community Leading the Way: Clothes Swap Champions
The Blue Mountains Parents for Climate group has been pioneering community clothes swaps since November 2022, showing how local action can have a big impact. The group, led by Jenna Condie and Liora Ballin, started with one kids’ clothes and toy swap, and along the way have engaged hundreds of locals and have partnered with several organisations to drive the initiative forward.
“We wanted to create a practical, fun, and inclusive event for local families,” Jenna and Liora explained. “It’s about saving money, reducing waste, and consumption. But more than that, it’s our coping mechanism for dealing with the climate crisis and political inaction. It’s a way to bring more parents and families into the climate movement with Parents for Climate.”
Their success has only grown since their humble beginings, with their sixth swap event scheduled for Saturday, 28th September, at the Blue Mountains Sustainability Festival. As these events have evolved, the group has introduced a seasonal focus, ensuring the swaps are even more beneficial. “By aligning with the seasonal changes, we’re hoping to reduce the amount of leftover clothing at the end,” they said.
Their motto, “Swap before you shop—save money and reduce waste,” resonates with families looking for practical, affordable solutions to the fast fashion dilemma.
How You Can Get Involved
- Attend a local swap: Keep an eye out for Clothes Swap events in your area—many communities are embracing this sustainable trend.
- Host your own: Gather your friends, neighbours, or even your local community group for a swap. It’s easy to organise, and we’ve got some helpful tips here to help you get started.
- Make it a regular event: By hosting seasonal swaps, you can ensure that everyone benefits, and fewer clothes are left over.
Why not give it a go?
Hosting or attending a Clothes Swap is a small step toward tackling the fast fashion crisis, but it's a step that can make a big difference. We’d love to hear about your swap stories and successes and see your photos in our national Facebook community.