OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Esmee Bancroft was a student at Georgia State University majoring in political science with a minor in neuroscience and educational psychology when she had a revelation.

“Mutual aid is a concept I absolutely love,” she said. “I first learned about it in college while working to pass an overdose prevention law in Georgia.” She says that mutual aid is based on the idea that we all have needs, and as a community, we can meet those needs.  And from that spark, the Ocala Clothing Swap was born.

Ocala Clothing Swap founder Esmee Bancroft stands at the entrance of the Ocala Kava Bar Muddy Lotus Tea next to her clothing donation bin during a collection event.
Esmee Bancroft takes her donation bin to different venues around Ocala to collect clothes for those in need. She’s seen here at a collection event at the Ocala Kava Bar Muddy Lotus Tea in May 2024. Courtesy: Esmee Bancroft

“The Ocala Clothing Swap fosters this [idea] by providing free clothing events, which we call pop-up boutiques,” Bancroft explained.  “Everything is free, and these events bring people together to shop, explore new ideas, and practice new skills like mending, sewing, and dyeing, thereby extending the life of textiles.”

Bancroft says that “fast fashion” is wreaking havoc on our environment, describing it as low-quality garments that are produced en masse to keep up with ever-changing trends. She says that it takes about 200 years for an article of clothing to break down in a landfill, and even longer if it’s wrapped in plastic.

Cardboard box adorned with a recycling symbol, filled with stacked old clothes ready for donation, representing the Ocala Clothing Swap organization's commitment to mutual aid and environmental sustainability.
Ocala Clothing Swap practices the three Rs – reduce, reuse, repair – before recycling. Courtesy: Canva Pro

“The fast fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions, and the synthetic fibers in these clothes release microplastics that end up in our drinking water and food supply,” Bancroft said. “As consumers, we have the power to choose not to engage in fast fashion.”

Bancroft gives us the three Rs of recycling clothing:

  • Reduce consumption
  • Reuse what you have, or find someone who can
  • Repair what is fixable

While donating to a thrift store is certainly a way of recycling, Bancroft says most of those items end up in landfills.

“The Ocala Clothing Swap aims to bring these items back into the community at a much higher level,” she said.

According to Bancroft, the Ocala Clothing Swap strives to make Ocala more sustainable for future generations.

“We focus on innovation and service by creating workshops to teach sewing and other techniques to extend the life of clothing,” she said. “These workshops help people repurpose textiles into new materials like quilts, stuffed animals, and dog toys, fostering a sense of community and service.”

Bancroft says you can make requests for specific items and that the organization regularly posts on social media.

They are always in need of volunteers and monetary donations, as well.

“We have a donation drop-off spot at Muddy Lotus Tea and are seeking more locations for donation drop boxes,” said Bancroft. She’s also got a school bus on her wish list.

“We are currently fundraising to acquire a school bus with a wheelchair lift, which we will convert into a mobile boutique,” she said.  “This will help us reach the unhoused community around Ocala, providing them with the resources and clothing they need.”

Bancroft also says that she’d also like to establish a physical storefront offering clothing, toiletries, and food; where people can donate what they can financially or receive items based on need.

For more information about the Ocala Clothing Swap, send Bancroft an email.