The library room in Tingsryd was unusually quiet this year, with only a few people attending to exchange clothes, according to officials. According to SVT Småland, Markus Mörlund, chairman of the Nature Conservation Association in Tingsryd, described that last year around 140 clothing items were exchanged, but this year the number is likely only up to 15. The event operates on a simple concept where participants can hand in up to ten items and choose as many from the selection on site.
Clothes are inspected upon hand-in to maintain good quality, officials said. Martin Mörlund noted that clothes from Temu and Shein are not approved, primarily due to the increased risk of chemicals. Despite the low turnout, organizers described the day as successful and believe that interest in reuse continues to grow.
Last year around 140 clothing items were exchanged, and this year we are probably up to 15, but we'll see.
According to SVT Småland, Markus Mörlund described that more people are opening their eyes to buying second-hand and exchanging instead of buying new. Clothes that are not exchanged are taken care of afterwards, often by being donated to charity, officials said. It remains unclear why this year's event was unusually quiet compared to last year, what specific chemicals are of concern in clothes from Temu and Shein, and which charities receive the unexchanged clothes.
We notice that more people are opening their eyes to buying second-hand and exchanging instead of buying new.