Rowan University Hosts Profswap to Encourage Sustainable Fashion

According to Easton Russ, a senior majoring in environmental sustainability, the event supports a circular economy where items no longer in use can be donated for others to benefit from. "If you’re not using items, donate them so other people can use them," Russ stated.

The event featured a partnership with the popular resale platform Depop, where representatives informed attendees about the benefits of buying and selling second-hand clothing. Students received tickets for items they brought, which could then be exchanged at the event. For example, bringing ten items could yield ten tickets, allowing students to pick new items in return.

Participation in Profswap often comes from donation boxes set up within the Rowan and Glassboro community, or from students bringing in their items directly. Russ emphasized the accessibility of the exchange, saying, "If you’re struggling for dress clothes… you can bring a book and then walk out with a dress shirt."

Volunteers, including honors student Shakir Boyce, helped at the event, fulfilling service hour requirements while participating in a crucial discussion on consumerism and sustainability. Boyce highlighted the importance of minimizing impact through second-hand shopping, stating, "You can always minimize your impact by buying secondhand."

The annual Profswap often garners excitement among students, like sophomore Amaya Wright, who eagerly participated in hopes of finding new pants and tops. She expressed the importance of secondhand shopping in a time of rising clothing costs. "I believe shopping secondhand is very important," said Wright.

Profswap exemplifies an ongoing effort to blend sustainability with community engagement at Rowan University.