Reflections on Swapping
Y’all, I am SO EXHAUSTED from the swap last week, but also so inspired and victorious. It was a record breaking swap of 2 TONS OF TEXTILES collected. Half went straight back out at the swap and the remainder is going to Sharehowse, The Parlor of Logan Square, Cradles to Crayons, and other local charities.
Every swap I’m confused about how much remains; why do people mainly think about circularity when they want to get rid of items and not when they are sourcing items?
This mystery will puzzle me for the rest of my life.
Do you think about sourcing second hand when you need something? How do you go about it?
Here’s what I do:
Do I think I can find it second hand? Is it safe/hygenic to source second hand?
If yes, check Facebook marketplace and Buy Nothing groups first. This removes the middleman of a thrift store, gets money straight from me to a neighbor, relieves the burden on thrift stores.
If I can wait for the item, I add it to a list and wait for a clothing swap or other free swap event.
Next I check specialty thrift stores (creative reuse centers, reclaimed building material stores, small locally owned thrift stores).
Lastly, I go to major chain thrift stores or online reseller platforms like Poshmark or eBay.
If I cannot find it in any of these places, the next tier is local and small businesses, ideally owned by someone in a marginalized group. Every dollar I spend (or don’t spend) is an opportunity to strengthen my community and the world I want to see.
Lastly, did you know I’m on the board of a community currency in Pittsburgh? We have an event this weekend that you should check out if you’re local! There’s a costume contest and prizes!
Night of the Living Compost: The Siftening Saturday Oct. 25, 5:30-8:30 PM, hope to see you there!
