Ready to reuse? Kochi Corp’s first ‘swap store’ has something for you

Kochi: The Kochi Corporation has opened what it calls ‘a swap store’ as part of its initiatives to keep the city clean by promoting the idea of ‘recycle and reuse’.

From the shop situated near the South Railway Overbridge, people can choose used items, including clothes, kitchenware and electronic items, for a nominal rate or even for free.

People can also hand over used household items which are in good condition to the shop named ‘Sabash’.

The shop has been opened in division 62 of the corporation. Film and television actor Urmila Unni inaugurated the store recently. The initiative is a brainchild of corporation councillor Padmaja S Menon who was inspired by the flea market events she has participated in the past.

“Reuse and recycle are the ideas we are trying to promote with the initiative. Whatever things we do not have a use for anymore can be given to those who need them. Likewise, when you come here, if you see something you like, you can take it for a rate as cheap as Rs 5 or Rs 10, which you can deposit in a box kept at the store. Even if you can’t give any money, that’s fine. We just want you to use things which are good in quality and can be used for years together,” she told Onmanorama.

She said the shop has been witnessing an overwhelming response from the public. “The first day, every product in the store found a taker. I could see people were excited about the project,” she said.

The councillor said at least 100 sarees of good quality were taken by people on the first day itself. The items displayed in the shop included pants, shirts, sarees, books, crockery, fancy ornaments and television sets.

The shop functions from a room owned by the corporation. Padmaja said items in the shop were collected by sending messages about the store through social media, including WhatsApp groups.