Shoppers looking for a good deal and a sustainable shopping experience rifled through piles of cozy sweaters, athletic wear and worn jeans on January 23 at the Fernie Legion.
Fifteen tables packed with clothing were interspersed between racks and baskets as shoppers wandered around the Legion, examining the wares. This was the Ultimate Clothing Swap 2.0, a popular event hosted by the Legion for the first time last year.
According to their event page, the idea was for people to “make money, buy some new (to you) clothes, and create a little less waste in the world.”
People bought space at tables in the Legion weeks in advance and then brought their gently used clothing to the sale on the night of. The Legion encouraged people to “go through your wardrobe, say thanks and goodbye to those items that no longer bring you joy…then bring them along to the Legion, let others find joy in your items and make yourself a little money.”
Raphaela Tuchscherer and Tenille Edwards shared a table at the event. Tuchscherer said the decision to take part was “pretty spontaneous” but that she had some clothes that she needed to get rid of. When Edwards asked if she wanted to join and split the table, Tuchscherer agreed.
“I’m a big thrift shopper so I really like the idea and the sustainable factor behind it for sure,” she said, adding that she just wanted “to get rid of things rather than acquire more.”
With the environmental impacts of fast fashion coming to light more and more in recent years, events like the clothing swap are becoming more popular as a way to save money and the planet at the same time.
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