The True Cost | Film & Clothing Swap

Whether you are into fashion or not, clothing is a part of everyone’s life. Aside from style, price and quality – have you ever wondered where they come from? Who made them?

What’s one of the first things you do in the morning? Silencing the alarm? Probably. Brushing your teeth? Hopefully. Grabbing your breakfast? Coffee on the go. Putting on clothes? For sure! Whether you are into fashion or not, clothing is a part of everyone’s life. Aside from style, price and quality – have you ever wondered about the clothes you wear? Where they come from? Who made them?

 On 8th October, we – Studium Generale and Erasmus Sustainability Hub – invite you to ask yourself these questions. First, we’ll show you the documentary film “The True Cost”, then we’ll host a big clothing swap! This takes place in the context of Dutch Sustainable Fashion Week Rotterdam.

The True Cost is a groundbreaking documentary film that pulls back the curtain on the untold story and dark side of clothing. It’s about the clothes we wear, the people who make them and the impact it’s having on our world. Filmed in countries all over the world, from the brightest runways to the darkest slums, The True Cost sheds a light on over-consumption, consumer pressure and mass production in an industry that is more profitable today than ever, and its consequences for the people and the planet. While the price of clothing has been decreasing for decades, it asks each of us to consider, who really pays the price for our clothing?

No need to feel desperate, however. There are many ways to contribute to change in the clothing industry, one of which is swapping! Instead of buying new clothes, let’s swap what we already have with each other. If you want to participate, please bring your garments to the Erasmus Sustainability Hub (Mandeville, ground floor) during one of the following times:

Tuesday, 25 September: 14.30-16.30
Monday, 1 October: 15.00 – 17.00
Wednesday, 3 October: 15.00 – 17.00

 For each item donated, you get a voucher, which you can exchange for another item (donated by a fellow student) during the clothing swap on the 8th. Happy swapping!