Photography: Nooma.studios
This weekend Ericeira will be the epicenter of a sustainable fashion movement thanks to the Green Coletivo. Mar, the creator of this project, shares her passion for conscious fashion and sustainability with the community through monthly clothing swap events, and the next one is scheduled for December 17th at LaPoint from 3 pm to 5 pm, with the support of the Ocean Sisters Community
Mar, a fashion enthusiast from a young age, developed her personal style through clothing swaps with her sisters. Even after moving to Portugal 5 years ago, her passion persisted, and she continued organizing swap events at home. Since the beginning of this year, she has brought this concept to Ericeira regularly
The founder of this project aims to integrate the expat community with the Portuguese one, making a difference in Ericeira
The Green Coletivo initiative arises from concerns about the textile industry, the world’s second-most polluting industry. Aware of the lack of alternatives, this project seeks to provide solutions to local consumers. The idea is clear: enjoy fashion without harming the environment.
The Green Coletivo is not just a clothing swap event; it is also a celebration where the community shares clothes, inspiration, and creativity. The initiative also collaborates with the Lisbon Project, a non-profit organization that assists needy refugee families. Thus, all clothes not selected by the end of the Ericeira event will be donated to the Lisbon Project, closing the loop of sustainable fashion.
Each month, an average of more than 165 participants gather in the village and participate in these swaps. Between 30 to 50 people actively donate their pieces, which are then evaluated by the Green Coletivo
The selected pieces will be available in the Swap Shop, while the non-selected ones will go directly to charity. Participants can accumulate points for their donations and use them later on the event day. The Green Coletivo also has the support of local businesses, such as Just a Stitch Ericeira, which offers clothing modification services throughout the event. Although the Green Coletivo has been operating for only a year and has primarily attracted the expat community, Mar has big dreams and goals for the future: her greatest wish is to actively integrate into the local Portuguese community, making a difference in Ericeira.
Regarding clothing selection and event participation, all interested individuals can sign up to make their donations through the respective WhatsApp group until Wednesday, December 14th.
Esta publicação também está disponível em | This article is also available in: Portuguese (Portugal)
