Extracurricular Education

One of the most awesome things about the swaps is the extracurricular education that my children are getting. I really think the example we are setting for our kiddos is HUGE! When we're loading up to get in the car on swap day, they ask: "Where are we going?" I respond, "To our swap!" They all cheer with glee and my 5 year old who is also the most articulate of the group excitedly talks about how he is going to get to play, and get some new clothes and toys. My kids look forward to swap days. Not only that, but my kiddos are used to getting used items. They don't care... AT ALL! They get just as excited to get the used items, as they are to get new items. What makes me laugh sometimes is that when my twins open a new present, they HATE the packaging! They honestly don't like the toy until it is out of all that yucky plastic packaging. It goes to show that we are conditioned to like, or unlike things. And so far, my kiddos prefer the greener approach - which makes me very excited to be a part of this. And one of the MOST POSITIVE things is the example that my children are getting. There are so many great teachings they can get out of the swaps, too many to list, so I'm just going to name a few:

-resourcefulness

- sharing

- importance of community

- down to earth attitude towards materialism

- how to recycle

- respect for our Planet

- awareness

- organization

- a healthy attitude towards our excess consumption

- thriftiness

- charity

Our hope is that these swaps do much more for you than just be a fun way to get rid of your stuff and get some stuff back. Our hope is that you will remember that swap shopping really matters. It means something to those closest to you and it means something to your community, as well as beyond.

Our swap organizers know that they are much more than just that. They are a philosopher, a pioneer, and a philanthropist. The reality is that our regular swapper's are just that as well! By coming to the swaps, showing your support, and getting involved, you are in reality a huge part of this incredible movement. We hope you take that into account.

We hope to see you at the next swap!

-Elle