What is SwapsApp?
SwapsApp is an initiative where a few people in a community set up a WhatsApp group of local people and, in the chat, people can put up photos of items (like clothes, furniture, toys, etc.) they no longer want and the rest of the group can take the items off their hands for free if they want them. People can also say that they are looking for particular items to see if anyone has those items and wants to give them away for free.
Why do it in your local area?
Besides people getting rid of the items they no longer want and getting items they do want, the aim is to support and promote the reuse and recycling of items locally as a response to the environmental impact of waste and consumerism. It also brings people in the community together. You may meet neighbours you seldom, if ever, talk to and make new friends.
The first SwapsApp group was set up in Slane, Ireland in March 2024. Within three months the group had over 75 members with over 70 items given away to people in their community such as clothes, toys, flowers, furniture, etc. With such immediate success from little effort, the organisers decided to spread the word and set up this website explaining how they set up SwapsApp Slane, answering some questions on it, and sharing some templates and graphics they used (see below) so that other SwapsApp groups can be set up in lots more communities .
Is everything free?
It is not a buy and sell group so all items must be free. Items given must be of good quality and have obvious reuse potential.
Do people have to swap items with someone else?
No, people don't swap items each time. The swapping is more at a community level as over time items get swapped or shared around the community.
Who can join a local SwapsApp?
To minimise travel and facilitate quick exchanges, members should live within about a 5 mile radius of the town, village, or area that the group was set up in.
Who should set up local SwapsApp groups?
Well, if you've read this far it is probably you! It takes very little time and effort to set up (see the 10 simple steps below) and after that it pretty much takes care of itself. You won' t regret doing this easy but impactful action for your environment and community!