Welcome to our weekly newsletter focusing on environmental trends and solutions driving us toward a more sustainable world. I’m Kiera, with a revelation: I’ve fantasized about raiding my neighbor’s closet for that perfect pink blazer and snatching my colleague’s outfit. A recent celebrity fashion moment inspired me that clothes-swapping could be an eco-conscious way to revamp my wardrobe.
This week, we delve into a red carpet trend that’s not only budget-friendly but also eco-friendly. The story of Amanda Seyfried sporting Julia Roberts’ look at the 2025 Venice Film Festival went viral, earning praise for their innovation and sustainability. Sara McQuaid, from Threading Change, a youth-led organization advocating for ethical fashion, highlighted how such moments can shift attitudes towards clothing swapping and borrowing.
McQuaid emphasized the impact of celebrities like Seyfried and Roberts repeating outfits, citing examples such as Princess Diana and Kate Middleton reusing looks. She noted the positive community aspect of sharing clothes, which she experienced since borrowing her sister’s wardrobe as a child. McQuaid now organizes large-scale clothing swaps across Canada, with the recent event in Vancouver attracting over a hundred participants and redistributing more than 100 kilograms of textiles.
Motivated by economic reasons and sustainability concerns, people are increasingly turning to clothing swaps as a way to save money and reduce waste. Kasia Mazur, who has been hosting swaps among friends since 2012, highlighted the cost-saving benefits, especially for children who outgrow clothes quickly. Similarly, Kristall Onee, hosting curated clothing swaps in British Columbia, emphasized the liberation in letting go of ill-fitting clothes without pressure.
Clothing swaps foster a sense of community, allowing participants to connect and share stories behind each piece. Seth Day, founder of a queer clothing swap initiative in Montreal, emphasized the community-building aspect of swaps, moving beyond transactions to meaningful connections. Participants not only exchange clothes but also share styling tips, enhancing the sustainability and longevity of their wardrobes.
In Saskatchewan, wild rice harvesters are facing challenges due to a destructive insect infestation, threatening their livelihoods. Phyllis and Tommy Smith, longtime harvesters, are witnessing a rise in rice worms damaging their crops, leading to significant economic losses. Researchers are collaborating with harvesters to find solutions to mitigate the damage caused by these pests and safeguard the future of wild rice, a staple in Indigenous communities for generations.
The collaborative efforts between researchers and harvesters provide hope for a sustainable solution to protect the indigenous wild rice industry. Despite the challenges, the community remains resilient, determined to preserve their cultural and economic heritage.
Thank you for reading. For questions, feedback, or story suggestions, please reach us at whatonearth@cbc.ca. What on Earth? arrives in your inbox every Thursday.
Editors: Emily Chung and Hannah Hoag | Logo design: Sködt McNalty