Fashion with a conscience

An entrepreneurial and eco-friendly approach to re-cycling quality clothing is gaining ground in New Zealand.

Set up by three Wellingtonians last year, the Big Shwop, is an event where people can swap their “barely-worn” clothes for vouchers, then exchange their vouchers for someone else’s pre-loved clothes.

Co-founder Sarah Hopkins says the event comes from the founders’ passion for sustainability.

“The way in which a lot of our chain store clothing has been manufactured has been done without any respect for the environment or the community of people that have made that piece of clothing.

“That whole cycle is deeply unsustainable.”

Hopkins says the event is about recycling quality clothing.

“If we can buy quality when we buy new, like ethically-made fashion or New Zealand-made fashion and then when we can’t afford to do that … we should look at re-using those pieces of clothes.”

The event relies on green-shirted volunteers or “shwop-keepers” who check the clothing for quality, doll-out the vouchers – the organisers use old jigsaw pieces as another eco-initiative – and supervise the exchange.

Volunteer Tracy got involved because of the eco-chic aspect.

“It’s a great cause. It supports us buying less crap from China and [allows us to use] up what we have in each other’s wardrobes.”

At the first Auckland Swhop in September several hundred people turned up with sack loads of clothes.

Shwopper Beverly says she was participating because it was “fun” and it was a chance to exchange clothes that no-longer fitted her.

“It’s all to do with recycling rather than throwing out what you’ve got.”

Shwopper Gabby, who was there for the adventure, was also aware of the environmental aspects.

“By recycling your clothes there’s no need for buying new product, thereby reducing demand, thereby reducing carbon footprint in retail.”

Hopkins says the event is a unique New Zealand idea.

“In the UK they have swhishing which is organised clothes-swapping house parties. I’m not aware of a community event of this size where people are swapping clothes for vouchers.

“I think it’s pretty unique.”

The founders have trademarked the name of the event and are considering Big Shwop’s for men’s and children’s clothing.

The next Big Shwop will be held October 31 at the St James Theatre in Wellington.

Sarah Hopkins extended interview