By Daniëlle Gerber
We have discussed the whys and ways of sourcing sustainable fashion several times, but what about when you want to get rid of clothing items? Every second the textile equivalent of a garbage truck ends up on a landfill or gets incarcerated globally[i], with fashion disposal being a major contributing factor. Moving items out of your closet might feel like a hassle, but here are some easy sustainable ways to save you from the “Is this still available?” messages on Facebook marketplace.
Consignment stores
Consignment stores are a great place for your higher-value items. They essentially sell your items for you, and you share the profits with the establishment. Please note that this means that you will only receive the money when the item sells; so be prepared to wait.
Some consignment stores include:
1. Malaki.Second Chances (Stellenbosch Local)
Location: 36 Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch Central
Trading times: Mon – Fri 10:00-17:00; Sat 10:00-13:00; Closed on Sundays
Contact number: 082 770 0657
2. Hanger Consignments (Cape Town)
Location: A9, 1 Westlake Drive, Westlake, Cape Town
Trading times: Mon – Fri 09:00-16:00; Closed on Saturdays and Sundays
Contact number: 066 528 1430
Note: For all the selling information, find the FAQ’s on their website. Hanger Consignments accept drop-offs at their Cape Town office or through Pargo (a collection service).
Clothing swaps
Clothing swaps are a great way to freshen up your cupboard with good old-fashioned bartering trade. This can be done in two different ways, namely through swapping clothing with your friends or by going to clothing swap events.
1. Swapping with friends
This is a fairly simple way of bringing a new look to your cupboard – and it does not have to be permanent. Simply select a few items from your cupboard and see if any of your friends would like to swap them with some of their items. Be sure to set some guidelines or rules when swapping, like washing instructions or the duration of the swap to avoid any mishaps.
2. Clothing swap events
These events pop up every now and again in Stellenbosch, especially amongst the Stellenbosch University societies or residences – so keep an eye out! The CoCreate Hub and Sustainability Institute have also housed such events before and promoted them on their socials.
With sunny days getting more frequent, it is almost intuitive to start spring cleaning. Make sure that this seasonal transition does not coincide with harmful environmental impacts, by rethinking where your fashion items go after you use them!
[i] Sustainable Fashion. Textiles End Up in Landfills [Online: Sustainable Fashion]
