Four colleges and three student organizations collaborated to organize a clothing swap at Corvinus University under the initiative of EVK and FAKT colleges. In addition to donations from the organizations’ members, anyone could bring good quality, used clothes to the fair. Donations were also received from the university’s staff.  

All donations received during the program support the Tűzcsiholó Association’s summer camp. The association helps children who are not growing up with their own families. The money will be used to organize family camps, and any remaining clothes will be distributed to those in need.  

The project serves both environmental and social sustainability. In May, regenerative and sustainable fashion is the theme of the month at Corvinus, as global fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries on the planet. It accounts for 10% of global annual carbon emissions, and fast fashion requires vast amounts of water, energy, and chemicals, and also generates enormous textile waste. Buying secondhand clothes reduces demand for new products and gives unused items a new life.  

Beyond environmental harm, the fashion industry is plagued by deep social issues. Donations to the charity fair can also help us to move towards more socially sustainable communities with stronger solidarity. The essence of regenerative and ethical fashion is not to build on fast consumption and profit maximization, but on the well-being of people, animals and ecosystems, and to seek not only to sustain but also to restore communities.  

Throughout the day, many students visited the organizations’ stands, and spontaneous conversations took place alongside fundraising activities. Some students mentioned that it was their first time meeting face-to-face with other organizations that share their interests. This event provided a valuable opportunity to promote community building, sustainability, and social responsibility.  

In the future, we would like to make it a tradition to hold regular clothing fairs to raise awareness of environmental and social issues and to offer a solution that builds community.  

The clothing swap was organized by EVK and FAKT colleges and supported by the Dean for Sustainability Office at Corvinus University. If you are a student, student community, staff member, or representative of an external organization with a similar environmental or social idea, feel free to contact us at dean.sustainability@uni-corvinus.hu, and we will be happy to help you implement the initiative!  

Written by: Máté Kovács