Did you know that in Ireland, 110,000 tonnes of textiles are discarded every year? (Source: Textiles: National Attitudes & Behaviours Surveys | Environmental Protection Agency.) Re-using unwanted clothing, much of which is perfectly wearable (especially kids’ clothing that they’ve outgrown), is a great way to combat textile waste, protect the environment and save money. Similarly, items with minor wear and tear can be repaired and reused.

In July 2024, a lady emailed Sustainable Skerries asking if we would consider running a “wetsuit exchange.” She noted how kids’ wetsuits are often used for one summer, and then they outgrow them. She had seen our details on the sign at the then-recently launched beach toy library and decided to contact us. We thought it was a great idea, but felt it was too late to implement it for summer 2024. We mentioned it to one of the organisers of Skerries Water Safety week, who agreed and suggested we consider it for 2025, perhaps to coincide with Water Safety payment time.

Fast forward to 2025 (how time flies!) and the Skerries Water-Safety organising team kindly confirmed their support for this idea and let us know their payment date. By now, the idea had morphed from just wetsuits to swimming gear more generally. 

So, our Sustainable Swim Shop and Repair Cafe will take place on Sunday 8th June, 10 am to 3 pm, under the awning outside the Little Theatre. All items €3. You can donate your clean wetsuits and swimming gear to the Community Centre on 5th, 6th, or 7th June. We will accept clothing in need of minor repair. You can also donate items on the day and/or bring them for repair. Repairs will take place in Room 1. All funds raised will go to Sustainable Skerries, supporting local sustainability initiatives. Thanks in advance for your support!