By Anne Levin

Sustainable Princeton has two goals in mind for the August 26 “Swap Party” being held at Monument Hall: keeping “gently loved” household items out of the landfill, and encouraging residents from its STAR Neighborhoods program to interact with one another.

The Saturday afternoon event from 2-4 p.m., the first of its kind in Princeton, takes its cue from similar get-togethers held in other towns. Participants must bring at least one item to swap. Categories include home, appliances, landscape equipment, books, games, fitness equipment, and more.

“Becca Goldman, our operational coordinator, had attended parties like this before,” said Lisa Nicolaison, Sustainable Princeton’s project manager. “So it was her idea. We thought it would be an event we could do with our STAR Neighborhoods program, and we’re putting our own little spin on it.”

Through the STAR program, residents of Princeton neighborhoods participate in sustainability projects that strengthen their communities while reducing their carbon footprint, and inspire others to follow suit. Thirteen neighborhoods have taken on the challenge so far.

“This is an opportunity for the different STAR neighborhoods to get together and meet each other,” Nicolaison said. “While they often do things in their own neighborhoods, this brings them together at one event.”

While the STAR neighborhoods are a focus of the event, it is not limited to them. “Yes, the idea was to bring them together,” said Nicolaison. “But this is also open to the wider community. Anyone can come. And we’re hoping it will encourage people to start their own STAR neighborhoods.”

Ultimately, the event is an opportunity for people to swap out household items that are still in good condition, while reducing waste. “We already have a number of folks signed up, saying what they’re bringing,” said Nicolaison. “We’ve heard about fitness stuff, a stair-stepper, hula hoop, office supplies, kitchenware, and a bread machine. A few folks aren’t sure, but we’ll follow up to give them ideas.”

One caveat: no clothing, shoes, or accessories. “Anything not claimed by the end of the day will be donated or found a new home,” said Nicolaison. “With clothing, it’s just a little more difficult to do.”

Everything to be swapped must be in new or gently used condition. Registration is necessary to ensure enough tables, chairs, and refreshments. Visit sustainableprinceton.org.

The website explains what a swap party has to do with sustainability: “Swapping items gives them a longer life and keeps them out of the landfill,” it reads. “Reusing a previously owned item within our community has virtually zero carbon impact, whereas manufacturing and shipping new items is a massive source of emissions. Meeting and knowing your neighbors helps build community resiliency (which is critical during extreme weather events from climate change).”