West Ealing Library Hosts School Uniform Swap
Event organised with help of repair café for Climate Week
Uniforms from a range of schools were available. Picture: Ealing Council
September 17, 2025
A school uniform exchange held at West Ealing Community Library has marked the start of a series of local events focused on climate action. The swap, which took place on 6 September, saw 35 families participate, donating 145 items of school uniform and collecting 114 items for reuse.
The event was organised by Mary Horesh of Ealing Repair Café, with support from Kinga Savory, a volunteer fundraiser at the library and founder of Ealing’s Climate Café. Both highlighted the environmental benefits of extending the life of clothing, particularly school uniforms, which often contain high levels of polyester. According to figures cited by the Act for Ealing Climate Action Hub, up to 1.4 million school uniforms are discarded annually in the UK, contributing an estimated 350 tonnes of plastic waste.
The swap aimed to reduce textile waste and promote sustainable consumption. Research suggests that extending the life of clothing by just nine months can reduce carbon and water usage by up to 10%, while also limiting the volume of garments exported abroad.
During the event, library volunteers Sunita Mainee and Steve Sharkey assisted visitors with book borrowing, computer access, and photocopying services. The uniform exchange was part of a broader programme of activities leading up to Ealing Climate Week, which runs from 20 to 28 September.
West Ealing Community Library will host displays and resources throughout the week, offering practical guidance on repair, reuse, recycling, and waste reduction.
Further information is available at www.ealingclimateweek.org and wecl.org.uk.
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