MUNCIE, Ind. — Sustainable fashion was in the spotlight this past Saturday as locals gathered for a community clothing swap at Sustainable Steps. The event aimed to reduce fashion waste by giving pre-loved clothing a second life while making sustainable fashion more accessible. From trendy jackets to vintage treasures, attendees had the chance to refresh their wardrobes without breaking the bank or harming the environment.
The swap allowed participants to trade or purchase gently used clothing for $5 or less, promoting affordability and sustainability.
Laura Mickler, owner of Sustainable Steps, said this was the first time hosting an event like this, but it won’t be the last.
“This event not only helps people find affordable clothing, but it also keeps perfectly good clothes from being wasted. It’s a simple way to make sustainability more accessible to everyone in the community,” said Mickler.
Ball State sustainability major Lark Valente attended the event and emphasized the importance of reducing fashion waste.
“Fast fashion has a huge environmental impact. On top of that, hyper-consumerism has caused many of us to be greedy with clothes we don’t need. Events like this help reduce waste while fostering a sense of community around sustainable living,” said Valente
Mickler, who hopes to host similar events throughout the year, taking community feedback into account.
“We didn’t know what to expect for this first one, but we’re hoping to do this a few times a year. It’s all about getting clothes back in the mix instead of constantly buying new things,” said Mickler.
Sustainable Steps continues to encourage Muncie residents to rethink their shopping habits through events like this. For updates on future swaps, visit Sustainable Steps Refillery on Instagram and Facebook.
Contact Demar Robinson with comments at demarcus.robinson@bsu.edu.
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