A MINDFUL MARKET. The Juggery, a sustainability-focused small business located at Market On River (128 W River St., Chippewa Falls), pictured,  is hosting a first-time event on May 31 aimed at repurposing and reusing gently-used goods.

Local zero-waste and refillery businesses have carved out a space in the community in recent years, answering the growing local desire for accessible and sustainable goods. Furthering its thread of mindful consumption, Chippewa Falls' The Juggery will host a first-time event at the end of May: the "Clothing Swap & Upcycled Art Market."

Inspired by similar events held in other cities, The Juggery owner, Greta Bergeron, will take advantage of the building her shop is housed in – Market On River (128 W River St., Chippewa Falls) – and host the clothing and art event on the building's second floor.

“There are so many clothes constantly getting donated or thrown away,” Bergeron said. “We need to change the culture of overconsumption and reevaluate the cycle of clothes. This event is meant to exchange clothes that are not getting worn enough or don’t fit, for something new-to-you and will get more use!”

"This event is not meant to be a dumping place for unwanted items which is why we have a limit on the number of items and guidelines. We want the swap to be more intentional so items have a good chance of finding a new home."

GRETA BERGERON

OWNER OF THE JUGGERY

Just in time for spring cleaning season, the full list of items the event will accept are listed at thejuggery.com/clothing-swap. Bergeron will accept up to 15 undamaged, clean items per person. Early drop-offs are encouraged, and will be accepted May 21-30 during The Juggery's open hours.

According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), only about 15% of used clothes and textiles (clothing, shoes, bedding, towels, upholstery, and carpeting) get reused or recycled in the United States – the other 85% go to the landfill or incinerator. The Environmental Protection Agency found the most significant type of textile waste was discarded clothing.

The Juggery is owned and operated by local Greta Bergeron, pictured.

“This event is not meant to be a dumping place for unwanted items which is why we have a limit on the number of items and guidelines,” Bergeron explained. “We want the swap to be more intentional so items have a good chance of finding a new home.”

The Juggery has partnered with SEEK Careers/Staffing to collect professional clothing attire to benefit low-income individuals who may need clothes for job interviews and working.

Beyond clothing, the event will also welcome used board games, puzzles, and books. Any games or books left by the end of the event will either stay at Market On River’s little library bookshelf for visitors to borrow, or will be donated.

A handful of local artists and vendors will also pop up as part of the event. Bergeron’s first public event – an April film screening of REUSE! Because You Can’t Recycle the Planet – further fueled her desire to include a repurposing element to the upcoming event. MELK’s Art and Creative Reuse, Second Wind Upcycled Wear, and Greyson Grey Art are slated to vend at the event, alongside others.

“I have lots of conversations about recycling, landfills, and microplastics in my shop so there is definitely interest,” Bergeron said. “There are a lot of people who are aware of these issues and they want to learn more and get active.”

The Juggery is housed within Market On River on the first floor, pictured.

Find additional information about the "Clothing Swap & Upcycled Art Market" event, slated for May 31 at Market On River (128 W River St., Chippewa Falls), online. If you want to drop off items ahead of the event, you may do so at The Juggery during open hours (Wednesday-Thursday, 11am-5pm; Friday, 11am-6pm; Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, 9am-1pm) May 21-30. Keep up with The Juggery online for future events.