ETSU’s Department of Sustainability is launching the free store as a new resource for students and faculty who are looking for gently used clothing.
Erica Malpass, the Sustainability Coordinator for the Department of Sustainability, said that the free store is “a new initiative for the campus to provide free resources to all students, faculty and staff that may struggle with buying new items.”
It will offer gently-used secondhand items that are donated by ETSU students and faculty. These items may include clothes, shoes, accessories and small housewares that could be used in a dorm room.
Malpass said that this initiative is not meant to take away from the already established Bucky’s Food Pantry, and any food donations will continue to be handled there.
Since the store is still in its beginning stages, as of now it will be operating as a pop-up shop at various campus events. Donations are being handled at the Office of Sustainability in room 108 of the Bond building next to the CPA and at any of the events where the free store shop appears.
“I hope this initiative is something every student and faculty member can look forward to,” said Malpass.
In addition to supporting ETSU students and staff, this new initiative will hopefully motivate people to add a little sustainability to their lives by buying secondhand goods off campus. According to Malpass, buying secondhand items is one of the best ways to combat fast fashion and the overconsumption of textile resources.
“It’s gonna take all of us to make an impact,” said Malpass. “And think of how unique your fashion will be!”
In addition to the campus free store, Malpass shared some of her favorite places to shop for secondhand goods off campus. She mentioned Goodwill, Good Samaritan, Haven of Mercy, Habitat for Humanity Restore and Owl’s Nest.
Other ways for students and faculty to help with campus sustainability efforts include signing up to volunteer for various events such as Earth Month, Earth Fest, Campus Beautification Day and the upcoming Weigh the Waste event.
Students are also encouraged to participate in tending to the community garden at Buc Ridge. Applications should be available within the next few weeks.
Students and faculty with any questions about the free store or any of the other sustainability efforts can contact Malpass via email at malpass@etsu.edu or email the Sustainability Department directly at gogreen@etsu.edu.
More updates and information are also available on Instagram at @gogreenetsu and on the Sustainability Department’s ETSU website.
