Ealing Climate Change Action events at West Ealing Community Library opened with a School Uniform Swap. On 6 September, 35 families – mums, dads and children collected 114 items of school uniform and, at the same event, donated 145 school uniform items.
“This has been a real success thanks to the generosity and resourcefulness of West Ealing residents,” the organiser of the swap, Mary Horesh of Ealing Repair Cafe, said. “I like to help and encourage people to make positive steps to help the planet and the environment,” said Mary.
Kinga Savory, a volunteer fund-raiser at West Ealing Community Library, joined Mary in displaying the uniforms and helping families to find their choices. Kinga, who set up Ealing’s Climate Cafe, also highlights the climate benefits of swaps. She points out what Act for Ealing Climate Action Hub says:
“Up to 1.4 million school uniforms, many of which could be reused, are thrown away every year. Many of the garments contain high levels polyester, that is equal to around 350 tonnes of plastic. Over the last decade, clothing has become the fastest growing stream of waste in the UK, and it now represents the fifth biggest environmental footprint of any industry in the UK.
Around £52 million is spent each year on new items with parents, guardians and carers discarding uniform that still has lots of wear in it. Uniform which has been worn should be reused. Extending the life of clothing by just 9 months can reduce carb on and water usage by up to 10%. This will also help reduce the huge amount of clothing that is sent abroad each year.”
While the climate-boosting uniform exchange was going on, library users were helped by West Ealing Community Library volunteers Sunita Mainee and Steve Sharkey to use the library computers and photocopier, borrow and return books.
This month, 20 – 28 September, West Ealing Community Library celebrates Ealing Climate Week.
Come to the Library and see books, materials and online resources with practical ways to repair, re-use, reduce, recycle. Visit wecl.org.uk
For more information on Ealing Climate Week visit www.ealingclimate week.org