Crop Swaps are taking the Illawarra by storm, with new swaps popping up across the region. So why all the fuss?
Crop Swaps are an easy and fun way to connect with your local community, reduce waste and eat better for less! It’s a simple as coming together on a regular basis to have a chat and swap excess homegrown produce, plants and more.
What to swap?
Any surplus of:
- Homegrown herbs, fruit, veggies and eggs.
- Seeds, seedlings and edible plants.
- Preserved or prepared foods, like pickles and jams.
- Growing materials, like pots and worm castings.
Crop swaps in the Illawarra
- Port Kembla Crop Swap– Third Saturday of the month
- Unanderra Crop Swap– First Saturday of the month
- Bulli Crop Swap– First Saturday of the month
- Corrimal Seed and Sapling Swap – First Saturday of the month
How to start a crop swap in your community:
1. Gather a couple of friends
Work with a small group of committed people, to share the load and divvy up duties both on the day-of and in advance of a crop swap.
2. Pick an accessible location
There are endless options- from a private backyard to a public park to a library.
3. Set a date & schedule
Hold the crop swap at the same time, same place, either weekly, monthly, or seasonally (10am seems to be the sweet spot for weekend swapping).
4. Spread the word
Invite your neighbours, use social media (Facebook groups work well!) and hang posters at your community centre, bus stands and local grocer.
5. Have clear guidelines:
Decide on how you want your crop swap to run (e.g. an honesty system, work with tokens) and explain this to all participants. This could be via a post on your social media or through a quick introduction at the event.
6. Host the swap
Organise the bounty on a table or a picnic rug. Create an inviting atmosphere by helping participants find a spot for their produce. Be ready to answer questions and welcome feedback. Most importantly, HAVE FUN!
Further Reading:
