U-Thrift Club Tackles High Costs, Climate Change Through Community Clothing Swaps

U-Thrift Club Tackles High Costs, Climate Change Through Community Clothing Swaps

U-Thrift meets Thursdays during lunch in room 231. / Ellie Lawrence, The Roosevelt News

Do you ever get tired of your clothes or having to spend a ton of money on a brand-new pair of jeans? Well, you’re in luck. 

Founded in 2019 by Roosevelt High School senior Amelia Roller, U-Thrift meetings take place on Thursdays during lunch in room 231. This could be just the place for you. 

Once a month, U-Thrift holds a clothing swap in the Upper Commons after school. At these events, anyone from Roosevelt can donate clothes in exchange for new items for their wardrobe. 

Roller said the inspiration for the club came from “U-Thrift at the University of Miami, founded by Veronica Cider.” She said, “I wanted to do something similar at Roosevelt.”

Members of this club are big on sustainability. They focus on ways to help the environment while promoting thrifting. 

Roosevelt senior and U-Thrift Vice President Gigi Welsh said, “I like that it’s an eco-friendly option that’s in the community. You don’t have to put a lot of effort into it. You bring an item to donate, and you can take what you want.”

According to the Climate Council, fast fashion makes up 5% of global greenhouse emissions. Taking part in U-Thrift can help reduce Roosevelt’s carbon footprint.

A big issue with ethically made brands can be the price. And it’s true, looking for something environmentally friendly while shopping can put a hole in your wallet. 

In how U-Thrift addresses this, Roller said, “We find that thrifting is a really good option for the average high schooler who doesn’t have a lot of money to spend.” U-Thrift swaps are free. All you need to do is donate an old item of clothing, and you are free to swap! 

U-Thrift also aims to build community. Roller said, “I think it’s always a really cool moment when you’re walking in the halls and you see someone wearing something that you donated because you think, ‘Wow, I never would have thought to style it that way!’ [You are so] proud that the clothes you donated are … making people happy.” 

For more information about the club and to learn about the next clothing swap, check-out U-Thrift Club on Instagram at @rhs_uThrift.


Follow The Roosevelt News on Instagram @therhsnews. Questions, comments, or concerns? Contact the Editorial Board at therooseveltnews@gmail.com

Your voice matters. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comment box below.

Leave a Reply

%d bloggers like this: