OwlSwap is a clothing sustainability initiative started at Kennesaw State that collects clothing donated by students, and it aims to raise awareness about the negative impacts of the clothing industry as well as teach students how to be responsible consumers and recyclers.
Britt Pickering, a junior sociology major, and fellow classmates from a geography of clothing class, GEOG 4490, got together with their professor, Jason Rhodes, and discussed creating the initiative in fall 2017. Currently, Rhodes and Dr. Vanessa Slinger-Friedman serve as project coordinators.
OwlSwap currently has a clothing recycling bin in the Marietta campus’ Atrium building, and the donated clothing is sent to organizations like Reloom where it is used to create beautiful rugs, tablecloths and accessories such as wallets and scarves.
The organization’s leadership eventually hopes to expand the location of the clothing recycling bins to include student housing and the Kennesaw campus. Pickering encourages students to donate clothing to the bins instead of taking it to thrift stores since unsold clothes can end up in landfills.
OwlSwap also hosts clothing swaps every month, alternating month-to-month between the Kennesaw and Marietta campuses, where local artists display their art.
Students interested in participating in the swap are expected to bring in clothing and will receive a ticket for each clothing item accepted. With that ticket, students can take their choice of any other clothing item donated.
The next clothing swap will be held Thursday, March 22, on the Kennesaw campus Green from 2:30-5:30 p.m.
Students interested in volunteering with OwlSwap, and artists who are interested in having their art displayed at OwlSwap events, should email owlswap@kennesaw.edu for more information.
