In its once-a-semester clothes swap, Northern Michigan University’s student-led organization, EcoReps, set up a table in Jamrich Hall where students were free to drop off and pick up clothing as they desired.

Anyone was free to take what they wanted or leave clothes they no longer had use for. Participants who took clothes were not required to donate some in exchange, but encouraged to do so.

“Having clothing swaps like this really helps to divert waste from the landfill because a lot of clothes that are donated to big chains like Goodwill don’t always make it into the store,” said EcoReps sustainable fashion intern Miki Rogers. “By having clothing swaps, we’re putting donated clothes out here first for students … and that way we can keep clothes from entering a landfill. Any clothes that are left at the end of the swap are donated to the women’s shelter and … campus programs like the Career Closet.”

EcoReps is a sustainability education program designed to “give students the resources and knowledge to solve environmental, economic and social sustainability issues,” according to NMU’s website.

EcoReps members are seen hosting an event, from left: Karissa O’Quinn, Mollie Haremza, Miki Rogers, Taryn Andersen and Delany Frank. (Journal photo by Alexandria Bournonville)

“We’re focused on promoting sustainable projects and hosting things like clothing swaps, zero-waste events and just trying to connect with administration to make campus more green,” Rogers said.

EcoReps has also successfully gotten clothing donation bins placed around the university through its Green Fund program.

According to Rogers, EcoReps will be holding clothing swaps more frequently in the semesters to come. For more information about donation or pickup, email ecoreps@nmu.edu.