Introducing our First Annual Clothing Swap in Goldendale!

What is a Clothing Swap?

A clothing swap is when a group of people meet up to swap gently used clothes as an alternative to throwing the clothes away. 

Why should you participate in a Clothing Swap?

The alternative for most of these donated clothes would be a landfill or be incinerated. Not only can you add some new flair to your wardrobe, but help reduce textile waste pollution. 

Some Statistics to Consider: 

• 87% of clothing material ends up in a landfill or incinerated
• Only 1% of clothes are recycled into new garments
• Up to 100 Billion new garments are made every year
• 60% of  new clothing materials are actually plastic
• Each person throws away 82 pounds of clothing on average each year
• There is enough clothing in the world to clothe the next 6 generations!

Source

How Can I Help?

• Participate in clothing swaps or donate old clothes to sustainable second hand stores that do not throw clothing waste out
• Repair or upcycle old clothing instead of throwing away a damaged item
• If you have to shop, shop secondhand or seek items made from quality materials that increase the "life" of the item. "Shop less, shop better"
• Be more gentle with what you own, treat stains, wash less often, wash with cool water and dry with low heat. 
• Choose items that you will wear many times, not just for a one time event.
• Support Policies addressing textile waste systemic changes

Local Details: Save the date for our first swap in Goldendale! July 18th 2026. More details coming soon, check back on this page, and follow us on Facebook for more updates! We are partnering with Washington Gorge Action Programs and Klickitat Valley Health to bring this event to the community.