As part of Western Washington University Residence Association’s “Go for the Green” initiative, a campus Thrift Swap event will take place in Alma Clark Glass Hall 452 on Thursday, April 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. The Thrift Swap invites students to bring and exchange items they no longer have use for, promotes sustainable ideals of community recycling and offers free food and eco-advice.
In a generation of students who love fashion but not the prices, thrifting has become the norm. Secondhand clothes reduce costs while also providing a sustainable alternative to fast fashion.
Western Zero Waste, co-sponsor of the Thrift Swap, facilitates the residence hall “Go for the Green” program, in which recycling and compost from each building is monitored for contamination. In addition to increasing the amount of viable recyclables and compost, the organization prioritizes reducing trash, according to coordinator Haley Newell.
Lou Watkins, a freshman resident in Alma Clark Glass Hall at Western, will attend the Thrift Swap event on the hunt for wardrobe additions.
“Thrifting makes style a lot easier,” Watkins said. “I get more funky items.”
Watkins appreciates the community aspect of thrifting and the ability to participate in a community cycle by donating clothes.
Newell hopes the thrift swap will promote a circular economy where students can get rid of things they don’t need and grab things they do, all while promoting healthy consumption habits.
According to Newell, many resources accompany Western’s waste. From storage to transport and eventually landfill space occupation and emissions, Newell views reducing waste as a key component to reducing Western’s carbon footprint.
“Consumption took up 32% of Whatcom County’s overall greenhouse gas emissions in 2022,” Newell said. “We’re trying to mitigate that.”
Zander Albertson, professor of environmental studies at Western, said that a closed cycle of consumption is essential to a sustainable student life. According to Albertson, a truly sustainable system allows both human and natural systems to thrive.
He views consumer culture as the driving force behind a consumption system, especially when it comes to clothing.
“We have produced such a crazy supply of unwanted clothing,” Albertson said. “It’s almost like you can’t give it away.”
Zero Waste has planned for leftovers from the swap, Newell said. Extra clothes will be showcased in the Western Worn Community Closet, and unclaimed smaller items will be distributed to various Bellingham secondhand stores.
Newell and Albertson both hope the Thrift Swap will encourage students to seek sustainable shopping solutions beyond campus. Newell said Bellingham is a hub for secondhand alternatives; from Goodwill to local vintage markets, there is very little that needs to be bought new.
Newell encourages students to come to the swap, even if they don’t bring or leave with anything. Any student who attends will gain points toward the “Go for the Green” residence hall competition, where the winning dorm building receives a dessert bar and the title of “Best of the Best” eco-warriors.
Other points are received by reducing electricity and water consumption in dorms, as well as ensuring waste is sorted into correct recycling or compost departments when discarded. Event participation, such as attending the Thrift Swap, can make up for 30% of a residence hall’s eligible points, according to the contest’s website.
Albertson applauds the students and campus employees working towards this sustainable vision, and is especially impressed by the balance of environmentalism and price inclusivity that the Thrift Swap provides.
“So many of our problems are tied to this culture of consumption,” Albertson said. “The clothing swap is a very accessible way to intervene in that cycle.”
Gray Pendell Jones (he/him) is a campus life reporter. He is a pre-major on the environmental studies/journalism track, happy for the opportunity to work with a dedicated team of reporters at The Front. Gray enjoys rock climbing, backpacking and catching a quick sunset on the beach. Originally born in Albuquerque, he is still searching for good Mexican food in Bellingham. You can reach Gray at graypj.thefront@gmail.com.
