Shopping for school uniforms doesn’t need to be stressful or expensive. You can forget the last-minute dash for shirts, trousers and other items, and come along to the uniform swap shop event.

Find those essential school clothing items ahead of the new school year at the ReActon Hub in Acton on Saturday 16 August.

The Reuse and Repair event, at the Hub in Stirling Road will be held from 11am to 3pm and includes a school uniform swap shop. Residents can bring outgrown or no longer needed school uniform items to swap or donate.

The event, organised by Ealing Council, in partnership with West London Waste Authority, is part of a wider commitment to promote sustainable living and reduce textile waste, as well as providing a chance for families to refresh their children’s wardrobes without any cost.

More than just uniforms

The swap shop is just one of a number of activities at the event. Visitors can also:

• get hands-on at the repair café, where skilled volunteers will help mend textiles and teach practical repair skills
• join the children’s craft workshop, packed with creative activities for younger guests
• take part in competitions on specially adapted bikes including ‘Beat the clock’
• have bike safety checks and small repairs
• browse pre-loved bikes available to buy
• enjoy give and take for children’s toys

Entrance and activities are free, there is no need to book.

Councillor Paul Driscoll, the council’s cabinet member for climate action, said: “Buying new school uniform each year creates financial pressure for families, and I’m so pleased this event can help make it easier, while also helping our planet.

“Whether you’re looking to declutter, pick up essentials, or simply enjoy a day of community spirit and creativity, ReActon’s Reuse and Repair event is the place to be.”

Drop-off unwanted school uniform

From now until mid-September, residents are invited to drop-off old school uniform no longer needed at one of the drop-off locations around the borough listed below. These items will be available in free pop-up school uniform swaps throughout the borough, as well as at the ReActon event, to help families reduce waste and save money.

You can donate your school uniform items at:

• Acton Town Hall Library, Everyone Active Acton Centre, High Street, Acton, W3 6NE
• ActOne Cinema and Cafe, 119 – 121 High Street, London, W3 6NA
• Northfields Community Library, Northfield Avenue, Ealing, London W5 4UA
• Perivale Community Hive & Library, Horsenden Lane South, Perivale UB6 7NT
• Southall library and Dominion Centre, 112 The Green, Southall, UB2 4BQ
• West Ealing Library, Melbourne Ave, London W13 9BT

What can be donated?

The swaps need both branded and unbranded school uniform items, such as shirts, skirts, trousers, tops and jumpers. Sportswear such as PE tops, shorts and trousers can be donated. You can also include footwear and school bags. All donations should be hand-me-down quality and clean.

Did you know?

Up to 1.4 million school uniforms, many of which could be reused, are thrown away every year. Many of the garments contain high levels of polyester, that is equal to around 350 tonnes of plastic. Over the last decade, clothing has become the fastest growing stream of waste in the United Kingdom, and it now represents the fifth biggest environmental footprint of any industry in the UK.

Around £52million is spent each year on new items with parents, guardians and carers discarding uniform that still has lots of wear in it. Extending the life of clothing by just 9 months can reduce carbon and water usage by up to 10%. This will also help reduce the huge amount of clothing that is sent abroad each year.