Go sustainable shopping and Keep the Claws in at The Big Shwop, says Cynthia Greep... The Big Shwop (a hybrid word combining shop/swop) was held in Wellington at the Southern Cross bar last weekend. The Big Shwop is an initiative where shoppers exchange fashionable, unwanted, quality garments for vouchers. Shoppers cash in the vouchers for clothes that have been exchanged by others. The Big Shwop encourages New Zealanders to buy local, ethically-made fashion with a focus on reducing, reusing and recycling as much as possible.A glass of complimentary vino from sponsor Momo Marlborough was poured for all shoppers and spot prizes were donated from Eco Store. Undertaken on a budget of zilch and with volunteer assistance, the event was extremely well organised and attended with assistance from Starfish, the Southern Cross and a live DJ.I traded in a white top I had never worn for a vintage white vinyl jacket. A friend came away with a vintage-style tennis dress and a striped puff-sleeve jacket. With clothing that was not traded given away to charity organisations, it was a very well organised and enjoyable shopping experience with a touch of finesse. Here's to the next one- planned for December 2008 - at a bigger venue please! I'll have a lot more unwanted shopping to be swapping by then...Photo – two happy shwoppers chilling out with a cuppa tea and admiring their newfound bounty.Cynthia Greep, 8 August 2008
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