Clothing Swap Parties in Vienna Against the Throwaway Craze

The association MUT ("Human, Environment, Animal") regularly invites people to clothing swap parties in Vienna. These "Charity Swaps" aim to give a second life to pieces from the wardrobe that are no longer needed. This is intended to reduce textile waste.

The production and distribution of textiles have been under scrutiny for some time due to their social and ecological impacts. Cheap products, known as fast fashion, are particularly criticized. The trend does not seem to be slowing down; on the contrary, more and more is being purchased from online portals in the Far East. A visit to a shop on a shopping street now almost seems like an act of sustainability in comparison.

Visiting the Swap Initiative is Free of Charge

The MUT swap initiative is certainly to be understood as such. At regular intervals, the association's headquarters near the Naschmarkt opens its doors and lays out piles of various clothes in a room in the backyard. Pants, tops, dresses, or skirts can be found there, as well as some accessories or jewelry. Visitors do not have to pay anything or register, as spokeswoman Katharina Zedlacher explained to the APA.

And even though the clothing is given away for free, the swap events are not solely intended as aid for the homeless. Needy individuals can also pick up donations in kind from the association, but there are separate actions for that. Nevertheless, the demand for the charity swap is high, with a small queue forming at the entrance even before it begins. Bringing your own old clothes is not necessary, by the way.

Search for Vintage Pieces

Many, however, do bring clothes to donate themselves, often in larger quantities. However, these are not immediately spread out on the tables but are first inspected. This is done not least to sort out hygienically problematic pieces. In principle, only washed clothing is accepted. According to the association, there are sometimes items among them that do not meet this criterion.

About 100 people come per session, reported Zedlacher. At first glance, it is noticeable that not a few guests are already well-dressed upon arrival. Many of those present are young and are likely looking for vintage pieces rather than rummaging through the offerings out of financial necessity. At the same time, they also participate in an environmental and climate project of the association.

Annually 200,000 Tons of Textiles in the Trash

The focus is on the handling of the products. Relevant facts are presented online or on posters displayed in the exchange center. It is pointed out, for example, that according to statistics, about half of the clothing is worn less than four times a year or not at all. In Austria alone, more than 200,000 tons of textiles would end up in the trash. The often long transport routes are also criticized. This burdens both the wallet and the environment, it is emphasized.

Also, 35 percent of the microplastics in the oceans originate from this, often coming from washed clothing. The production is also considered problematic. About 9,000 liters of water are consumed annually for the production of clothing for each EU citizen, it is calculated.

Dyeing and finishing of textiles are said to cause around 20 percent of global water pollution. It is recommended to rely on less harmful natural fibers or to wear clothes for a long time or buy second-hand - or simply to exchange them.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.