Refashion in Oxford

The third Refashion event returns to Oxford at the end of February 2014.

Up-cycled textiles, clothing and crafts will go on show in the main hall of Oxford town hall on 27 February. The event also includes “Swishing” an exchange system for clothing. In the swishing area it is possible to leave old or unwanted clothes in return for tokens to exchange for other items that have been brought in.

This year more schools and colleges will be encouraged to show their refashioned goods. Last year ReFashion won a Green Apple Environment Award, a national accolade for best environmental practices.

Another form of recycling – Swap and Fix – has also been launched in Oxford. About 200 people attended the first Swap and Fix event in November, where experts in such things as repairs to clothing, bicycle maintenance, and adjustments to small electrical items, mended items brought in by the public.

The event – a practical alternative to Bring and Buy – was sponsored by Oxford city council, the Oxfordshire Waste Partnership and Community Action Group and is designed to encourage people to get things mended rather than throw them out.