Sustainability Highlight: Emily Howley ‘26

Howley in action

Photo courtesy of Sustainability

Zodiac: Leo

Ideal date: Going to a movie (something really stupid and silly), a coffee shop, and a basic but fun yarn store. 

The Swap Shop, initially launched as a “Community Free Store,” began with a clear vision from its makers: to support low-income and first-generation students by creating a safe, accessible, and organized space where they could find everyday essentials like clothing, furniture, and household items for free. Originally begun by Vic Dudek-Tipton ‘24 in 2022, the project received initial funding and support from Reed’s Office for Institutional Diversity (OID), transforming an old band practice room into a newly curated space. Today, the Swap Shop has grown into a major element of Reed’s sustainability initiatives, reducing waste while providing much-needed resources to students and the wider campus community.

After Dudek-Tipton ‘24 turned their focus to thesis work in their final year, Emily Howley ‘26 stepped up to lead the Swap Shop and expand it into what it is today. Under Howley’s direction, the Shop is carefully curated to maintain a manageable volume of high-quality items while respecting each donation. Volunteers organize and assess donations to ensure that items are in good condition and easily accessible to students. This initiative also reduces campus waste during move-outs and clean-outs while also providing a meaningful source of support for students seeking free, sustainable resources.

In being asked about her favorite thing about the Swap Shop, Howley stated her love for seeing the tangible difference that Swap Shop is making: “Seeing things that you donate to the space feels like you’re making a difference lots of free stuff, while the hardest part about the job was “deciding what stays and doesn’t go away and how to get sustainably rid of things because it would be a good way to dealing with waste.”

The Swap Shop’s goals strongly align with Reed’s stated commitment to supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds. The initial grant proposal highlighted the importance of having gender-neutral changing rooms so that students could try on items with privacy. This feature was particularly essential for non-binary and transgender students, allowing them to find clothing that aligns with their gender identity in a comfortable setting. In addition to reducing students' financial burdens by repurposing reusable items that would otherwise be discarded during move-out periods, the Swap Shop provides a welcoming space for people to exchange clothes, which keeps items in circulation and promotes sustainable habits.

The Swap Shop has evolved into more than a place to pick up free items; it reflects Reed’s dedication to sustainability, inclusivity, and resource-sharing. To support the Swap Shop, students and community members can participate in events, volunteer to help during peak times like move-outs, or spread the word about its mission. Every contribution strengthens its impact.

Representing a unique blend of community care and environmental stewardship, the Swap Shop is a student-led change at Reed. If you’d like to learn more or get involved, contact Emily Howley at ehowley@reed.edu.