Neighbors help neighbors with clothing swaps, community fridges

Key Takeaways:

Portland’s clothing swap draws up to 850 people twice a year to share free fashion and cut waste.

RVA Community Fridges in Richmond has saved over 520,000 pounds of food since 2021.

Little Free Libraries now number over 200,000 in 128 countries, boosting literacy and connection.

Neighborhood sharing efforts foster sustainability , reduce waste and build stronger communities.

When Cassie Ridgway held her first clothing swap in Portland, Oregon, 14 years ago, she had a few goals: keep clothes out of landfills, help people find free fashion treasures and build community.

The swap attracted about 150 people, and grew from there. Now, the twice-yearly event, which organizers call The Biggest Swap in the Northwest, draws between 500 and 850 participants to share clothe