Overview:
A simple idea—swap, don’t shop—is gaining traction in Palau. With hundreds of pounds of clothing already collected, the Community Closet Clothing Swap at the Civic Center is sparking conversations about waste, affordability, and how small acts of sharing can strengthen community ties.
By: Laurel Marewibuel
KOROR, Palau (April 23, 2026) — Shuri Chibana, organiser and project lead for Rengelekel Belau, is bringing a University of Hawaiʻi-inspired clothing swap to Palau, aiming to foster community connections and cut landfill waste.
“When I was a student at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, my roommate, Giada Colombo, helped lead a clothing swap on campus that took place a few times each semester,” Chibana said. “Growing up in Palau, I had never experienced the idea of ‘swapping’ — something that was completely free, yet so meaningful.”
She described students dropping off clothes between classes for others to browse, noting the surprise at the items’ quality and the sense of community it created. “Coming back home to Palau and being given the opportunity through Rengelekel Belau to bring some of these experiences back has been a great motivator,” Chibana said. “I hope the Community Closet Clothing Swap can create that same sense of connection here, where people feel supported, resources are shared, and we continue to strengthen our community through small, intentional actions.”
The event, set for Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Civic Center Hall, lets participants declutter while giving clothes a second life at no cost. It has already collected 480 pounds of clothing with more than 100 participants.
“A clothing swap allows people to declutter their homes while giving their items a second life, at no cost,” Chibana said. “In doing so, it helps reduce the amount of waste that ends up in Palau’s landfill. … It’s not only a sustainability effort but also a financial one.”
Chibana emphasised its cultural fit: “For those receiving items, it can ease financial pressure by providing access to clothing without cost. At the same time, it strengthens community support, something that is deeply rooted in our Palauan culture.”
No experience needed, she added. “If you’ve never been to a clothing swap before, I would say just come and see,” Chibana said. “Even if you’re unsure what to bring, or don’t bring anything at all, you’re still welcome. … At the end of the day, it’s not just about clothes — it’s about experiencing a space where community, generosity, and connection come together in a very real and practical way.”
