Sustainable Fashion - Swap Don't Shop

A slow and steady paradigm shift is happening in India, From mass consumerism, people are slowly beginning to assess their needs and are making a shift towards conscious choices. Climate change is real stark and scary. It is no surprise then that Sustainable Swaps are being looked at being responsible and not as cheap thrift store options.

Greenr cafe is becoming one of the most sought after hubs in Delhi for those coveting conscious conversations, along with healthy fare. The vegan options are a cherry on the icing.

There are eclectic mixes of talks, pop-ups and experiences on a regular basis at all three locations.

This Saturday Emily McBernie Luxury Wellness Specialist and Natascha Shah, Co-Owner and Editor TLF hosted one of the first few sustainable swaps in the country at Greenr. One hears of vintage flea markets, fundraiser’s et al but a swap, not so much.

Fashion generates approximately 4% of world waste. Instead of buying new shoes bags and clothes they urged visitors to bring an article to exchange.

A sizeable bunch of Bloggers, fashionistas, students and the curious showed up.

Sharing the genesis of the idea organiser Emily spoke “How many of us are lost when it comes to how we can assist in the global environmental crisis. Where do we begin? As an Environmentalist and Wellness Consultant, I encourage people to start small. Try, for one week, to not throw away any food and also organise a clothing swap amongst friends or in your community. A sustainable swap organised by Former Editor at Large of Vogue India in Bali, earlier this year, inspired us to do the same here at Greenr in Delhi. India is in desperate need of a movement toward conscious shopping and an end to mass consumerism given the state of the environment. We hope today's event will be the beginning of many more sustainable swaps across the country."

Natascha said "During my travels around the world I have seen a lot of people swapping their clothes at thrift stores or keeping them outside their homes for the ones who need them and thought it was brilliant! So Emily and I decided to do something similar in India, although there is a stigma attached to wearing old/used clothes"

Though she has observed that people are now becoming conscious about the damage done to the environment by the waste generated from the fashion industry, they are open to such ideas. She shared that they plan to make it a monthly affair.

Saachi Bahl Sustainable Fashion Consultant & Designer highlighted the mindfulness aspect of the experience.

“A swap shop is a really mindful shopping experience to amp your wardrobe! I don’t see why there should be a stigma in purchasing or swapping pre-owned goods. I believe it’s a matter of perception. If there is a market for preowned vintage, then I don’t see why there can’t be a market for preowned daily wear? As awareness beckons, shopping experiences are evolving and sustainable swap shops are the future of guilt-free indulgence,” she said.

We hope this will be the first of many swaps.