most popular:
2008 Holiday Gift Guides



most popular: Hot Home Wind Turbines


most popular:
$19k Electric Car in US


th comments
Brian said: "I am moron when it comes to resperitory function, but do the CFCs still effect the ozone if they're going straight into peoples' lungs? Do people ..." [read]

SBean said: "How much energy is required to produce it? Market, transport, sell, purchase, etc.? If it costs 14.99, that's a reasonable number to work with. Wil..." [read]

Mark Piepkorn said: "Environmental Building News (where I work) reported on photoluminescent exit signs in 2006. With tens of millions deployed in North America ..." [read]

Migital Warfare said: "It's one thing to post a concise article detailing what happened with your trip, it's quite another to go on and on, venting about it. Save your wh..." [read]

AaronT said: "You could just vote with your wallet and not fly Air Canada. Instead of petitioning them, why not make a "AirCanadaHatesBikes.org" site and get ot..." [read]

How to Start Swishing: Get Fabulous Free Clothes

by Christine Lepisto, Berlin on 07. 8.08
Fashion & Beauty (clothing)

Swishing, the new clothing swap trend image

Face it: you love that chorus of "Oh that is so darling! Where did you get it?" But if you want to live the eco-chic lifestyle, consumerism is out. What to do? Start swapping instead of shopping with a new trend called Swishing. Swishing started in London. Now the push is on to bring Swishing to American shores.

Why "Swishing?"

The dictionary definition: To rustle, as silk.

Swishing has been redefined by London's Futerra Sustainability Communications.
Swishing: To rustle clothes from friends.

The Swishing Organization points out: "According to the EPA Office of Solid Waste, Americans throw away more than 68 pounds of clothing and textiles per person per year, and clothing and other textiles represent about 4% of the municipal solid waste. " Of course, you already bring your hand-me-downs to the local clothing recycling bin so they can go to a good cause. But there are usually a few pieces that you would like to know have found a good home. These are perfect Swishing fodder. So how to get started?

Step 1: Invite your friends.
You can download a Swishing Invitation, or make up your own recycled invitations.

Step 2: Price of Admission
Each person must bring at least one piece of fine quality clothing or accessories pulled from that guilty corner of the closet where the unwanted detritus of a consumer lifestyle resides.

Step 3: Have a ball.
Everyone should relax with a drink and a bite for at least an hour before the swishing opens. All the donated booty should be on display during this time...but watch rule #2!

Step 4: Explain the rules
There are only three rules to Swishing:

  • everyone must bring at least one item of clothing but people can leave with as many items as they wish;
  • No one can claim items as their own before the Swish opens;
  • No scratching, spitting or biting!

Step 5: Start Swishing!
If you are not up to starting the trend yourself, you could join in on upcoming events that have been scheduled as official Swishing events:

So that's it! Now you're Swishing!

More Clothing Swap Options
Swishing in Britain
Swopping in Sweden
Swapping is the New Shopping
Swapping Online
Swap-o-rama-rama

The Basics
How to Green your Wardrobe

Via Stephanie Corrado, Futerra Sustainability Communications, Swishing

Comments (3)

It's a great idea, just a pity it's bound to be limited to the female arena. Somehow I just can't imagine a group of guys getting together and swapping clothes. Still, you never know I guess.

jump to top Andrew says:

This is an awesome idea- everyone gets tired of their stuff- even if it's beautiful and swishing is as eco friendly as it can get. I totally want to plan a swish party now.

Thanks so much for this post! I live in colorado and have friends here who have had swap parties, but i've never heard the term "swishing". Now we have a great name for it!

As a devoted re-sale shopper, I find this post particularly exciting because as our economy gets tight, I've noticed lots more people shopping the thrift stores, and as a result, the quality and quantity of clothing in thrift stores has been going steadily down. I hadn't thought about it until reading this post, but swishing is the replacement answer I'd been looking for.

Post a comment

(If you haven't left a comment here before, you may need to be approved by the site owner before your comment will appear. Until then, it won't appear on the entry. Thanks for waiting.)

th ads
th top picks
th ads