Hailey Carr

Chinook Writer

In a creative effort to promote sustainability, students from the Biology Department at Casper College, with support from faculty member Kelly Keenan, organized the school’s first campus-wide clothing swap on Earth Day, April 22. The event encouraged students to refresh their wardrobes in an eco-friendly way — all without spending a dime.

Keenan had long been interested in hosting a clothing swap on campus and saw Earth Day as the perfect occasion. After bringing up the idea in an environmental science course, she said she worked with a group of enthusiastic students to bring the project to life.

“The goal was to offer a simple, sustainable alternative to fast fashion and highlight how much waste can be avoided by swapping instead of shopping,” said student volunteer Erin Asper.

Leading up to the event, the group held several planning meetings to coordinate logistics and design a smooth experience. From organizing drop-off and pick-up times to creating colorful flyers and digital advertisements, the team worked to make the process clear and approachable.

“We really focused on keeping it simple and accessible,” Asper said. “It can get overwhelming if you over-complicate it.”

Participants were invited to donate gently used adult clothing and accessories in exchange for tickets, which they later used to “shop” from the curated swap collection. During the break between drop-off and pickup, volunteers sorted items and transformed the space into a thrift-store-style setup.

“We wanted it to feel like a fun, casual browsing experience — like stepping into a pop-up thrift store,” Asper added.

Although turnout was smaller than hoped, partly due to other clothing drives on campus, the atmosphere remained upbeat and supportive. Students who participated appreciated the chance to declutter, find new pieces, and support a good cause.

Leftover items were donated to the Art Club’s clothing drive or earmarked for local thrift stores and shelters.

The event not only aligned perfectly with Earth Day’s message but also sparked conversation about sustainable fashion and environmental responsibility. Organizers hope to expand and improve the swap in future years, potentially partnering with other student groups.

“We’d love to see it become an annual tradition — or even just inspire people to try swaps with their friends,” Asper said. “The goal is to reduce waste and make sustainability something everyone can participate in.”

With a strong foundation and a clear mission, the campus clothing swap proved that even small steps can make a meaningful difference. As organizers reflect on the event and gather feedback, there’s hope that next year’s swap will grow — drawing more students into the conversation on sustainability, one outfit at a time.