Posh Swaps Blog

Plastic bags are so last year. They never were exactly stylish but as consumers realise their devastating impact on they environment, they have become even less fashionable.

Plastic bags have become a huge problem with over 13 billion used in the UK each year. They can clog drains an dcause flooding and pollute rivers and streams. They can also kill animals and destroy plant life. They have a very short lifespan sometimes only minutes yet they can take a very long time to photodegrade.

 There are so many alternatives to a plastic bag for carrying your shopping in. I particularly like the idea of using a bag made from recycled materials for a really unique and stylish look and double environmentally friendly points.

Here are some of my favourite and very stylish reusable bags or alternatives to the plastic bag.

This Floral Recycled Shopping Bag is made using 100% recycled plastic bottles. It is available in a variety of designs but i love this cool retro style pattern. It is strong and light weight so can easily be rolled up.

If you like bright and colourful, then this shopping bag is for you. These stylish bags are made from recycled juice packs by a womens co operative in the Phillipines. The bags are strong and available in variety of shapes and sizes from large shopping bags to smaller handbags. The juice packets that they are made from contain foil and plastic which is non bio degradable and would otherwise go into landfill or incinerators.

This Re-sail tote bag is the ultimate in recycled and stylish alternatives to the carrier or plastic bag. It is made from 100% recycled sail cloth. Only a few of these bags are made and each one is totally unique.

This reversible vintage tote is made from recycled vintage materials. It is designed and handmade by Pouch. It is fully lined with recycled denim and the straps are made with recycled denim.

Clothes swapping is the latest craze hit the UK. It first became popular in the US, where groups of friends joined together to swap clothes and accessories that they no longer wanted. Clothes swapping events have now become big news with both large and small scale events being organised all over the UK.

Clothes swapping is probably the ultimate guilt free alternative to shopping. It helps to reduce waste and the environmental impact of manufacturing new clothes. Clothes swapping comes at a time when consumers are becoming more aware of the ethical and environmental credentials of their fashion. People are also keen to recycle and reuse in an attempt to reduce consumerism and its damaging effect on the planet.

Clothes swapping parties have also become really popular as they are a great way to get some new clothes, catch up with friends and have fun. Sustainable Communications consultancy  Futterra Communications have given clothes swapping parties the name ’swishing’, after the sound made by silk. Their website www.swishing.org gives loads of information on how to hold a swishing parties and even has invitations to download.

Basically, it is quite simple to organise a clothes swap. Invite your friends along. Each should bring one lovely piece of clothing that they no longer want and would like to swap. The clothing should be in great condition and something that someone else  would love to have.

At the beginning of the clothing swap, all the clothes should be laid out for everyone to browse and the rules explained. This is also a good time to serve drinks and nibbles and for everyone to have a chat. You can then count down to the beginning of the swap. Once the swap begins, everyone can grab which ever pieces of clothing they want.

Futerra suggests a very simple set of rules:

• When the swish opens, whatever people take is theirs
• Everybody must bring at least one item but can leave with as many as they like
• No one can claim items before the Opening of the Swish

You could try adding a bit more interest to your swap by adding a sewing machine for an crafty friends to alter or customise clothes- a great way to get some unique and individual clothes.

You could also try swapping your clothes online at www.posh-swaps

picture of Rag&Beau clothes swap, 23/04/09 from www.swishing.org