On February 7th, 2024, Fort Hamilton High School hosted its first Clothing Swap, where students were able to pick out and exchange different clothing items with other students.
The event took place in the pool balcony, where different types of clothes were hung on racks and folded on tables so that students could walk around the area to find clothes they liked. Participating students brought in many items, such as jeans, sweatpants, shirts, jackets, and jewelry.
“The purpose of the clothing swap is to reduce waste,” said Coordinator of Student Activities, Ms. De Paula. “February 7 is the DOE’s Climate Action Day of Waste. For students to swap clothes with each other is to promote a sense of community.”
The Climate Action Day of Waste was meant for schools to teach the importance of climate education in a way that engages students and allows them to exchange pieces of their identities with one another. Different actions were encouraged, such as reducing plastic or paper waste, and in this case, repurposing clothing items so they would not be thrown out.
“It would be beneficial for students to swap clothes as it encourages resourcefulness, reduces clothing waste, and allows individuals to experience different styles,” said Ms. De Paula. “The fashion industry is responsible for a significant amount of clothing waste, with around 92 million tons of textile waste generated annually, contributing to environmental pollution and resource depletion.”
Students were grateful for the chance to “shop” for new clothes and meet new people in the process.
“This event is such a great opportunity for students at Fort to thrift and reduce textile waste,” said junior Joannna Ascher. “The student government is so ecstatic to honor the [New York City Public Schools’] Climate Action Waste Day while giving kids the opportunity to take what they need.”
