Aparna Sharma meets the Bangkokians who are environmentally conscious shoppers swappers
I attended a swap recently at the picturesque and aesthetically-designed Earth House Cafe. It was wonderful that many people turned up, despite it being a long holiday weekend. I asked a few people there on why they love attending swap parties and this is what they had to say:
MANISHA MISRA, 44 Co-Founder, HappyLyfe.in.th
“I love swapping because it’s one of the most sustainable ways to revamp your wardrobe without spending too much money. Most importantly, swapping is environmentally friendly, and I love that.”
PAMELA, 53, Development Worker
“I love swapping because it’s good for the environment and you can find unique items.”
JAYCEE, 20, Admin/Sales
“I love swapping because I think it’s a nice sustainable option, and a great way to find a bunch of nice clothing. This helps me avoid buying from fast fashion brands, and not support mass production. This also helps keep clothes in circulation and avoids them from going into landfills, so it’s a very good way to build a sustainable wardrobe.”
MICHELLE SEAL, Digital Marketing
“I love swapping because it’s a good way to change your wardrobe. It’s a sustainable way to declutter the 
clothes which you have outgrown because they don’t fit your current lifestyle or body measurements. These can be swapped with someone who can use them and you can find something which suits you from someone else’s wardrobe. This is a waste-free way to give a second life to stuff you are decluttering, and the concept of swapping is environmentally friendly and economical. The best part is that you can remain extremely stylish while you are also being sustainable.”
NURIA, 37, Sustainability Expert
“I love swapping because it’s a sustainable and fun way to find clothes. Also, it does not cost much and you can change your wardrobe regularly without spending any money, and as an added bonus, you meet a community of swappers and make new friends.”
ANN, 37, Founder, Bangkok Recycling Chain
“For me, swapping is a meaningful way to refresh your wardrobe. I always think that the pieces you find in a swap are unique, and every piece has a story. You can go back home with an item which might be someone else’s castaway but it is a new treasure for you. One man’s trash can become another man’s treasure and swapping ensures that clothes can stay in circulation for as long as possible.”
HANANE, 37, Homemaker
“This is my first swapping experience in Bangkok, and I’m loving it very much because people are very welcoming. I found very nice pieces, whichI’m pretty sure that I’m going to wear more than once. I love swapping because I can take new clothes into my wardrobe without feeling guilty. Personally, I think a lot about buying something new because I’m usually not very sure if I will use it multiple times, but I don’t have to overthink about swapping.”
I hope these lovely ladies have inspired you to attend the next swap event. Make sure to follow Bangkok Recycling Chain on Facebook and Instagram to stay tuned for the next swap event!
Aparna Sharma is a non-conformist who believes that fashion must become a force for good and style must meet sustainability. She breaks down the nuances of slow fashion and how we can stay stylish without being trendy.
