Planet Ark is calling on Australians to join the War on Waste and take part in the Big Aussie Swap during National Recycling Week from 13th — 19th November, as councils, community groups and individuals around the country get on board.

Savvy shoppers who take part in their local Big Aussie Swap will experience a unique dose of retail therapy. To take part participants simply exchange good-quality, but unwanted, items like clothes books, CDs, children’s toys, accessories and sporting equipment for tokens that are then used to ‘purchase’ pre-loved products that have been brought along by other swappers.

A Big Aussie Swap party can be held at home, at work or by local community groups and councils. Swaps extend the lives of useable items, are a great alternative to buying new items that people don’t need and promote community engagement and awareness about reducing waste.

“Textile waste in Australia accounts for 4.7% of landfill,” says Ryan Collins, Recycling Programs Manager at Planet Ark. “Our recycling hotline is getting lots of calls about what to do with textiles after ABC TV’s War on Waste episode on fast fashion, and it’s clear that Aussies are looking for ways to get rid of their unwanted clothes responsibly.Swap parties are a great way to do this.”

Swaps give participants the opportunity to update their wardrobes, bookshelves and bric-a-brac collections by swapping their unwanted items with friends, co-workers and other community members.

People can attend the public events or also host their own Big Aussie Swap at home, work or school. Planet Ark’s Big Aussie Swap ‘How-To Guide’ has helpful advice on running a successful Swap session and useful resources such as invitations, swap tokens and signage.

To find your nearest Big Aussie Swap event, download the ‘How-To Guide’, or for more information about any of Planet Ark’s National Recycling Week initiatives, visit RecyclingWeek.PlanetArk.org or call the National Recycling Hotline on 1300 733 712.