Last year we had a great talk from our local green goddess Clare Standish on how we can all try and reduce the amount of clothes which end up in landfill sites. The need to keep up with current styles means in the UK we purchase 2.15 million tonnes of new clothing and shoes each year and throw away over 1.4 million tonnes to make room for it. The production of textiles and textile waste is very damaging to the environment.

In the past clothes were always recycled, via hand me downs in families or by mending clothes to make them last longer. While some are handy with a needle and thread, others less so, so we thought we could try a Swap Shop. The idea being to sort through the your rails, racks and drawers to root out those items you bought in the sale five years ago and have no idea why, or those jeans you will get back into – one day – and let them make someone else happy. So we brought along coats, trousers, even suits and shoes and swapped them for a credit note which entitles you to choose another item in its place.

While volunteers helped Clare fill the rails, the ladies enjoyed a drink and cake. (for a change!) Soon it was time to sharpen those elbows ready for the Big Swap! It was all civilised as we looked through the rails and decided what treats we could take. We all came home with something new and anything left on the rails will be recycled in another Swap Shop or donated to a charity. If anything wasn’t in saleable condition (3 year old dressing gown anyone?) Clare let us know that clothes, shoes and textiles do not have to be in a good condition to be recycled. Those that cannot be used again will be shredded and used as stuffing for car seats, etc. We should never put any textiles in our black bins. Charity shops or textile banks will accept your old clothes and put them to good use.

If you’d like to find out more about holding your own Swap Shop check www.salford.gov.uk/textiles for ideas.