How do you go ‘green’?

With the UN Climate summit underway  in New York City, it seems like a great time to reflect on how we as individuals go green. In addition to swapping goods, what else do you do?

There’s been a recent surge in campaigns urging commuters to switch to bikes. Some companies are taking that goal even further by using bamboo to build their bikes. Bamboo is regarded as an extremely strong, light-weight material. Would you ride a bamboo bike?

I’ve gone green by switching to a re-usable water bottle, bringing re-usable grocery bags to the store, and being extra careful about sorting trash and recyclables. How have you gone green? Share your ways in the comments section! If you’re looking for new ways to go green, the UN has created a shortlist of ways to reduce your footprint here

Photo from UN Climate Change site

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Philly Swap in the news!

Hey Swappers!

Our swap at GreenFest Philly made it into the news! Check out the article on Philly.com!

GreenFest Philly!

Thank you to everyone who helped make the swap a success this weekend! Big shout out to our partners Greene Street Consignment, Book Trader, and Philly AIDs Thrift! 

For those of you who were unable to come out to the swap, don’t worry. We have some pictures to help you deal with the FOMO!

Stay tuned for our next swap event!

Volunteer Opportunity!

If you’d like to attend GreenFest Philly AND do some good, why not volunteer? Philly Swap is looking for volunteers to help out with the clothing swap!

If you’re interested and want to know more, message hailey@wittygritty.com for more details and information on perks! 

Courtesy of GreenFest Philly

GreenFest Philly’s Green Card!

If you’re planning on attending GreenFest Philly, you should look into their Green Card deal, it’s just $30! And don’t forget to bring items for the swap!

The Green Card is an all-inclusive festival package that offers everything a festival-goer needs to make the most of the event.

What do you get?

• $10 Food Credit at any Food Trucks
• 2 Beers at the Greenfest beer Garden
• 2014 Greenfest Philly Shirt printed on fabric made from plastic bottles

• Limited Edition Greenfest Philly Mason Jar
• Clean Air Council Reusable Bag
• Entry into Raffles to win more free stuff!
• Discounts with these exhibitors!

Babylon Gardens – Discounts on water bottles and shirts for sale.  Free seed packets.
Book Grrl – 10% discount on all sales
Gen3 Electricity – 10% discount thru April 15, 2015
Green Mountain Energy – Free bamboo pen!
Greenology Organic Living – $5 off $25 purchase
The Humane League – Coupons for animal-free products
Lafiya Foods – 10% discount on all sales
MECO Designs Jewelry – 10% discount on all sales
Philadelphia Insurance Companies – Free Green PHLLY lunch bags for the first 100
Salvaged & Stoned – Discount on sales
Steel Core – 10% discount on all sales
Sustainability Business Network – 20% discount for SBN Membership
Zipcar – TBD

Art Star Craft Bazaar now accepting vendor applications!

Hey Philly Swappers!

The Art Star Craft Bazaar is now accepting applications!  The Craft Bazaar will take place on November 8th + 9th from 11-7pm indoors at the 23rd Street Armory!

Click here for the application! The deadline is Tuesday, September 30th.

For those of you who would like to attend the Craft Bazaar, there is an admission fee of $2. In addition to all of the arts and crafts, there will be free games, local food trucks, and  the opportunity to try out a variety of crafting techniques and take home something special!

Click here for details!

Photo from May Art Star Craft Bazaar!
Photo by Chris Kendig

 

DIY: 5 Steps to a T-Shirt Bag!

We did a lot of t-shirt bag workshops, and now, you can do them from the comfort of your home! If you have any variations that you chose to do, let us know in the comment section!

Step 1: Choose a beloved t-shirt that you no longer wear & make sure its washed!

No one wants a smelly bag AND! if you’ve never washed the shirt before for whatever reason, it may shrink if you throw it in the wash if by chance something spills in/on it during its new life as a bag.

Step 2: Assemble your tools!

Tools can be as simple as just a good pair of scissors, but depending on if you do a variation, a safety pin might be useful!

Step 3: Cut off sleeves & cut out neck area

Note: how wide or narrow you make this is up to you, the graphics on your shirt, etc. The neck area is the opening of your bag, so just be sure to keep that in mind!

Step 4: Close bottom of your t-shirt bag by cutting slits in the shirt about 1-2″ and tying a knot

Step 5: Admire your work and add this bag into rotation!

Mine is ready to go back to the beach! (If you didn’t catch the “Reach the Beach” slogan)

 

Sources:

1. http://www.instructables.com/id/No-Sew-10-Minute-T-Shirt-Tote/
2. http://www.leethal.net/zine/?p=1344

We have a resource list!

Howdy PhillySwappers,

Be sure to check out the new resource list! We’ve broken the list into categories that each have their own page under the Resource List tab!

Keep on swappin’!

Get Pumped, Philly!

Dear Philly Swap Community,

It’s been awhile, we know. BUT! We’ve got some pretty cool things heading your way in pretty short order.

First off, mark your calendars for this year’s Greenfest Philly, taking place on Sunday, September 7th! Be sure to clean out your closets/basements/hidden-so-the-guests-won’t-see-areas and bring along your swaps to Greenfest!

Next on the list: We’re excited to bring you a list of resources that will include consignment shops, clothing swaps, upcycle stores, and more! Please feel free to contribute to this list by submitting information to hailey@wittygritty.com. If you run a clothing swap, store, or anything related, let us know, we’d love to add you to the list!

Finally, we want to do more! To begin with, we have some nifty DIY projects to roll out and resources to share, however, community suggestions are welcomed! (Once again, send to hailey@wittygritty.com)

Be on the lookout for more posts and pages!