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Eco-friendly living used to conjure up images of hemp shirts, earnest lectures and a vague sense of guilt about takeaway cups. These days it’s starting to look a little different. At least in Bangkok, where sustainability is slowly being rebranded as something communal, playful and – dare we say – stylish. The latest proof? A four-day festival dedicated to swapping wardrobes and swapping ideas, all under the banner of what organisers call the Swap Up Festival.
The festival, now in its third edition, gathers people who are tired of fast fashion’s churn and would rather give a second life to what’s already out there. Hosted by The PARQ Bangkok with Swoop Buddy and Go Green Girls, the festival gathers anyone who thinks fashion and responsibility can actually be the same sentence. Instead of treating clothes as disposable, it’s a chance to pass your former favourites to someone else, and maybe walk away with something you’ll actually wear more than once. The whole thing runs under the theme ‘Living the Circular Lifestyle’ – think of it as recycling with better outfits.
The festival runs September 18-21, 10am-7pm at The PARQ Life, just by Queen Sirikit MRT. But it’s not just about trading garments. Talks, workshops and art installations are stitched into the programme, as if to prove sustainability can be as inventive as it is necessary. The intention isn’t to guilt-trip, but to spark curiosity about what a circular life might look like when scaled beyond your sock drawer.
Workshops lean more hands-on, moving from the practical to the surprisingly whimsical. You can turn used containers into plant pots, sew your own exfoliating pouch out of coffee grounds or make coasters from recycled paper.
Art isn’t left out either. Environmental artist Tanntalay will showcase pieces made from debris salvaged from the ocean, reminding us that waste is rarely abstract – it has weight, texture, even beauty if you know how to look. Meanwhile, the eco market offers handmade crafts, upcycled creations and natural products.
Event highlights:
- Community talk: It’s All Connected
Not the kind of lecture you’ll nod off in. People from across industries will be hashing out how circular living links work, home and creativity. Expect perspectives that range from corporate leaders to people who’ve actually stitched their own jeans back together. - Workshops
Not all crafts belong on Pinterest. Here, you can:
– Decorate old containers and plant herbs in them.
– Make coasters out of shredded paper.
– Stitch scrub bags with coffee grounds.
– Revive those jeans you’ve been hoarding at the back of the drawer.
– Twist leftover fabric into surprisingly chic homeware. - Conscious market
Enjoy recycled, upcycled, natural, one-off items you won’t find on a scrolling binge at 2am. - Artist showcase by Tanntalay
Marine debris, turned into art. Slightly sobering, definitely clever.
It’s not just about circling possessions until they collapse under new meaning. Proceeds will go to the Teach For Thailand Foundation, while anything unclaimed gets passed on to Pun Gun shops via the Yuvabadhana Foundation. The circle keeps moving.