Shop sustainably at Chicago's largest clothing swap
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Swappers at a past swap. Photo: Courtesy of Saverio Truglia.
To kick off Earth Month, go shopping. But make it sustainable.
The big picture: The Chicago Fair Trade Museum this weekend is hosting what it's calling the city's biggest community clothing swap to raise awareness about sustainable living and the environmental dangers of fast fashion.
Why it matters: Fast fashion, cheaply made apparel meant to be trendy and disposable, has been linked to exploitative labor practices and waste, as items are often tossed after they've outlived the fashion cycle.
What they're saying: "The U.S. alone sends nearly 11 million tons of clothing to landfills each year," Chicago Fair Trade executive director Katherine Bissell Córdova said in a release. "Clothing swaps provide a direct way to combat this crisis by extending the life cycle of garments and reducing demand for new production."
How it works: Shoppers are not required to donate, but if they do want to unload some items, they should bring gently used clothing and accessories to the swap.
- If you're not interested in shopping but still want to contribute, you can donate ahead of time at various locations.
- All sizes, styles and genders are welcome.
- Shoppers can leave with up to 10 items.
If you go: An exclusive preview with beverages and bites is on Friday, and the swap runs Saturday and Sunday at the Chicago Fair Trade Museum in Uptown.
- Select a time slot when you purchase your ticket.
Cost: $10 for general admission Saturday and Sunday. $39 for Friday preview. $50 for a membership and either free entry Saturday/Sunday or a discounted ticket for Friday.