A clothing swap that began in a Logan lounge room has grown into an award-winning celebration of sustainable living and women-led community action.
Soroptimist International Logan launched its first “Frock Swap” in 2016, giving members the chance to exchange and buy pre-loved clothing.
The event has since become Sustainable Styles by Soroptimist, bringing residents and community groups together at Elements Retirement Village at Springwood.
Events coordinator Cesarina Gigante said its focus had expanded from textile waste to the wider environmental effects of everyday choices.
“Over the years the event has become multifaceted,” Ms Gigante said.
“How this lifestyle affects our capacity to build a more sustainable future forms the basis of our activities.”
This year’s event highlighted the theme “women leading green futures”, with guest Lilly Attwood giving insight into the work of Sewing for Charity Australia and The Sewing Lair, which use volunteer sewing and donated materials to support people experiencing hardship while diverting textiles from landfill.
Ms Gigante said one of the event’s key messages was that small choices could make a difference.
“We can all make micro decisions daily about sustainability,” she said.
Ms Gigante said the organisation aimed to turn environmental awareness into practical community action.
“When women lead on sustainability, communities become stronger, more resilient and more sustainable,” she said.
The event continues to sell donated and pre-loved clothing, with proceeds supporting Soroptimist projects.
Soroptimist International Logan has served the community for 20 years, including providing care packs to agencies supporting women affected by domestic and family violence, homelessness and hardship.
Last year, the group received a federation best-practice award for its World Environment Month activities.
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