More Than a Swap: How We Traded Clothes to Save Thousands of Gallons of Water

The Best Things in Life are Free

The “check out” line. Image Credit: Michelle Marinangel

On the evening of Friday, August 29th, something special happened. As 90s throwback tunes filled the air, a steady stream of people arrived, arms full of clothes they were ready to part with. The room quickly transformed into a marketplace buzzing with energy, laughter, and a shared sense of purpose. This was our community clothing swap, and it was about so much more than just finding a new outfit.

Our goal was to have fun while reducing our water footprint. As people came in, we explained the “water cost” of clothing—it takes over 700 gallons of water for one cotton t-shirt and almost 2,000 for a pair of jeans! By swapping instead of shopping, we use less of this resource and keep perfectly good clothing out of our landfills.

The Swap in Action: A Ripple Effect of Good

With no limits on what people could bring or take, the swap floor was a treasure trove. Some folks were hunting for a few choice pieces to perfectly complement their style, while others gathered armfuls of essentials for their kids and family members. It was a powerful reminder that one person’s forgotten garment is another’s perfect find.

But perhaps the most eye-opening moment came at the “checkout.” Instead of a price, each person received a custom “water savings receipt.” This small slip of paper detailed the estimated amount of water saved based on the items they chose. That “new” jacket didn’t cost a dime, but it represented a savings of over 1,000 gallons of water. It transformed an abstract concept into a tangible, personal achievement.

Water savings receipt. Image Credit: Michelle Marinangel

So, what was the grand total of our collective effort?

Together, in just one evening, our community saved an estimated 59,000 gallons of water. That’s enough to fill an average backyard swimming pool three times over.

When we swap clothes we reduce the demand for fast fashion, we divert waste from landfills, and we build community.

A huge thank you to everyone who came out, donated, and embraced the spirit of the swap. You proved that sustainability doesn’t have to be a sacrifice—it can be a free, fun, community-building party.

Missed out this time? Host your own clothes swap! See if there are like-minded people in your friend group, neighborhood, or community that want to get together and swap.