Our Mission
Swaphandmedowns is dedicated to sharing gently used clothing for free while protecting our planet. We help families in need, reduce landfill waste, and build a community of kindness and generosity. Every item shared makes a difference — for people and the Earth.
🌟 Pet of the Week Spotlight
We love our furry family members! Did you know approximately 94 million U.S. households own at least one pet — that’s 71% of all homes? 🐶🐱
SwapHandMeDowns supports Adopt A Pet, local animal shelters, and spay/neuter programs.
Visit our Pet Photo Page to share your beloved pet or see our adorable community pets. ❤️
Join our Meta Pet Journey Video Group and connect with fellow pet lovers worldwide!
Our Story
Back in 1999, Jane envisioned a simple but powerful idea: a place where people could freely share gently used clothing to help families and protect the Earth. At the time, the world wasn’t ready, but she believed that kindness, sustainability, and community could create real change.
Today, that vision is coming to life. People everywhere are donating and requesting clothing, showing that sharing truly works. Swaphandmedowns has grown into a movement that helps families save money and keeps our planet cleaner and greener. Jane’s idea is now thriving, connecting communities around the world through the simple act of sharing clothing.
🌍 Environmental & Social Impact
Recycling gently used clothing is one of the simplest ways to make a big impact on our planet and communities. By participating, you help reduce waste, conserve resources, and support families in need.
Environmental Benefits
- Reduces landfill waste: Millions of tons of textiles end up in landfills each year. Recycling keeps them out, preventing harmful chemicals and methane from being released.
- Conserves resources: Producing new clothing consumes huge amounts of water, energy, and raw materials. Recycling lowers the demand for virgin fibers. For example, a new cotton shirt can use over 2,700 liters of water!
- Lowers greenhouse gas emissions: Manufacturing new clothing is carbon-intensive. Reusing garments helps reduce the fashion industry's carbon footprint.
- Minimizes pollution: Recycling reduces the use of harmful chemicals, dyes, and water in textile production.
Economic & Social Benefits
- Creates jobs: The textile recycling industry provides work in collection, sorting, and processing.
- Supports a circular economy: Recycling encourages a closed-loop system where materials are continuously reused.
- Provides affordable clothing: Donated and recycled clothing offers low-cost options for families and communities.
Protecting Our Work
Swaphandmedowns is a copyrighted website and concept. Our registration is filed with the Library of Congress, ensuring that the mission, content, and design are fully protected. We take this seriously to safeguard families, donors, and our community.
By using our program you agree to our terms of use.
You can view our official copyright registration by request: Contact Us
Join the Movement
Be part of Swaphandmedowns! Donate, request, or share your story — every action helps families and the Earth. 🌏