The University of Calgary Eco Club is hosting a Buy Nothing Week from Nov. 18–22. In conjunction, a Clothing Swap will be held in MacHall from Nov. 20–22.
“The main goal of [Buy Nothing Week] is to raise awareness about consumerism,” said Eco Club president David Rivera. “This way we can make sure that the impact of the holidays can be reduced.”
The Clothing Swap will be held on Nov. 20 in the South Courtyard of MacHall, and will then move to the North Courtyard on November 21 and 22. Rivera said the event will be a good way for students, staff and faculty to get rid of unwanted items, while getting something new without the a large carbon footprint.
“Naturally, jackets, mittens, and warm clothing are appreciated at this time of year. But anything people are willing to part with, we are totally willing to accept,” Rivera said.
The Mustard Seed is also looking for gently used women’s clothing for women’s shelters across the city.
All clothing not claimed at the swap will be donated to the Calgary Mustard Seed.
During the week, clothing bins will be located around campus. Rivera said they will likely be located in the Engineering building and around MacHall.
The Engineering Students’ Association, the U of C Mustard Seed, the Japanese Students’ Association and the Office of Sustainability at the University of Calgary will partner with the Eco Club for the event.
“This is probably going to be one of the biggest [events] that we’ve been able to put on,” Rivera said.
A DJ and Mia del Fierro of the Japanese Students’ Association will be putting on a Sustainable Fashion Show alongwith the clothing swap.
Similar clothing swaps have been held over the last three years. While the event was successful in previous years — with five or six bags of clothing being donated to the Mustard Seed last year — Rivera hopes that this year’s event will be the biggest yet.
“We are a unique community here on campus. If we can reduce our environmental impact, it can benefit us all,” said Rivera.