Fashion is one of the dirtiest industries in the world, and while we love shopping, there are ways to go green and be conscious while still being a fashionista and this Singapore based entrepreneur is showing us how.
Did you know that it takes 2720 litres of water to produce a single cotton tee, which is what we normally drink in a 3 year period? Or that we only use around 20% of what is in our wardrobe, which means there is 80% of our clothes not being used taking up valuable space. If you are looking to have a more eco-friendly closet, Raye Padit the founder of Swapaholic, has the answer and it is swapping. He advocates that it’s okay to be an OOTD (outfit of the day) person, but there is a responsible way of doing it. If you love having new looks, try swapping instead of buying new. Not only are you voting with your power as a consumer, but you will also have meaningful stories to share about the clothes you wear.
Raye started Swapaholic in 2016, a clothes and accessory swapping platform that allows you to declutter and refresh your wardrobe without hurting your wallet and our planet. His idea what that you can enjoy having a fresh new look by digging a little to maximising what you already have in your closet or better yet, swap with a fellow fashion-lover. Raye also previously co-founded Connected Threads Asia, a non-profit organisation to forward the sustainable fashion movement in Singapore and beyond.
“I just wanted to create a tangible action for everyone to be part of the movement without thinking too hard, whether you are an environmentalist or a fashionista. Cause swapping is for everyone.”
Raye Padit
Raye is also one of our Green Warriors, check him out here.
In this interview with Raye, we speak about:
- How he is using fashion a force for good
- Insights about the textile industry and the impact on people and the planet
- And how we can all start making swapping the new shopping!
Try out Raye’s Little Green Steps:
- 1) Be more reflective of our impacts on the planet with our consumption
- 2) Sustainable fashion can be very intimidating so for those who are just starting, Start by just picking one value that really resonates you well
- 3) Consume responsibly when shopping by asking yourself if you really need it.
If you are in Singapore, why not try out a swap yourself – its kind on your wallet and the planet. Find out when their next swap is right here.
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