Crediton Youth Services recently hosted a fundraising swishing event to help keep excess textiles out of landfill and raise funds for youth programmes. Two Sustainable Crediton Core Members were pleased to be able to attend. Swishing events are a fun and creative response to the environmental impact of our cultural overconsumption of textiles. A group sets a date and time, and attendees bring clothes they no longer want.

How it works can vary. At the recent one in Crediton, they agree a price per item (in this case it was £1) and heaped the unwanted/donated clothes at the centre of the party room. No one is allowed to dig into the pile until a set time, adding to the fun and anticipation. When the 'swish' begins, everyone dives in, shows off finds, gets friend inputs and have a jolly, but ecologically friendly good time. As a bonus, unclaimed clothing items became available for creative workshops by local Youth Club members, including an Upcycling and Upstyling four day programme from 15-18th August, now open for booking HERE. You can find some guidance on setting up your own Swishing Party from Somerset Council here.

Here's what swishing looks like!