Enactus STU’s sustainability project, Spring Up Fredericton, is bringing back a bi-weekly clothing swap to improve sustainability within the campus community.
On Sept. 27, the first clothing drive of the year took place in James Dunn Hall. At the event, students can trade in an old piece of their wardrobe for ones on display, or donate what money they can to the organization in return for a clothing item of their choice.
The first event had over 200 visitors and the amount of money saved that would otherwise have been spent on new clothing totaled over $10,000, according to Enactus.
The lead of operations for Spring Up, Suzanne Shah, emphasized the environmental reasons behind the clothing drive as a main motivation behind the event.
“The purpose of this event is to help reduce greenhouse gas emission, as well as to disgrace fast fashion by promoting sustainable practices,” said Shah.
Shah would like the clothing drive to “foster conversations” about solutions to climate change, including reducing waste and mindful consumption.
Nicole Vera is a project manager for Spring Up, as well as a member of Enactus STU, and she emphasized the importance of limiting consumption in the community being a reason for the project.
“The point of all this is to develop a circle economy in our campus and hopefully reach more to the poor income community,” said Vera. “[It] makes you conscious of how easily clothes can come and go.”
Enactus STU is a student organization that is part of a global network that fosters positive change through community social entrepreneurship projects.
Spring Up Fredericton has had 950 clothing items donated to them this year, including sweaters, shirts, pants, footwear, dresses and accessories. This is a 44 per cent increase in comparison to last year’s collected items according to Shah.
“The clothing swap went really great. It was just as we as a team of Enactus expected it to be, especially our president, who is very happy,” said Shah.
“I think it was a really good start,” said Vera. “I feel like this was very successful for the first round.”
Vera and Shah both mentioned how the event has become a hit with students, with many looking forward to a chance to attend future clothing drives.
“It benefits a lot of students with the necessity to not go to a thrift shop, or buy clothes from zero, or spend money,” said Vera.
