Finding high-quality goods for a low price is nice …but getting them for free is even better, especially when you’re helping the environment.

Jenna Firshein knows the joy of paying zero for essentials since she’s a regular at the Swap Shop at Newton’s Resource Recovery Center. The volunteer-run group was just one of 40 organizations featured at the May 3, Newton Earth Day Festival, organized by Green Newton in partnership with the City of Newton’s Climate and Sustainability Team and the Newton EV Task Force.

The Swap Shop accepts a variety of donated items (including clothes, toys, cookware, tools and more) and then gives them away at no cost. This benefits those looking to rid themselves of unwanted possessions, those hoping to find necessities, as well as the environment, by keeping people’s belongings out of landfills.

Chris Toliver, Priscilla Cosgrove, and Sandy Jones, all volunteers with the Swap Shop at Newton’s Resource Recovery Center, spoke with children at the Newton Earth Day Festival. (photo: Julie M. Cohen)
All sorts of free, donated items – including an actual wedding dress – were available at the Conscious Closet and Replay Corner at the Newton Earth Day Festival. (photo: Julie M. Cohen)

“I feel like I’m going shopping and not spending money,” said Firshein as she visited the Swap Shop’s booth inside Zervas Elementary School, where the festival was held.

In the past, the Newton mom said she found a dollhouse, a tricycle, vases, Halloween decorations, and more at the Swap Shop on Rumford Avenue.

“Sometimes it’s a treasure hunt,” said Firshein.

Priscilla Cosgrove said she volunteers at the Swap Shop because “you feel like you’re doing something good” for the community. She said people often donate when they are moving or downsizing.

“We have great stuff,” said volunteer Sandy Jones, who was part of the group that started the shop.

Susie Margolin, owner of Lotus & Lettuce, a Newton floral design business at the Newton Earth Day Festival (photo: Julie M. Cohen)
Cara Bertone, owner of Newton chocolate company Bebe’s Little River, at the Newton Earth Day Festival. (photo: Julie M. Cohen)
Julia Campanale, owner of Newton’s Legatti handmade crochet toys, held her daughter Isabella at the Newton Earth Day Festival. (photo: Julie M. Cohen)

In addition to vendors, the festival also included food trucks, kids’ activities, goats and chickens, entertainment, and more. The Newton South High School Newtones a cappella group performed in the Zervas cafetorium.

Newton South HS’s Newtones performed at the Newton Earth Day Festival. (photo: Julie M. Cohen)

The first Earth Day took place on April 22, 1970, and has been held across the world ever since.

Deana Bandilla greeted the Nigerian dwarf goats owned by the Goats of Dover during the Newton Earth Day Festival. (photo: Julie M. Cohen)
Nigerian dwarf goats, owned by the Goats of Dover, visited the Newton Earth Day Festival. (photo: Julie M. Cohen)
Christopher Toole, owner of Newton-based Our Dino Farm, brought different types of chickens to the Newton Earth Day Festival. (photo: Julie M. Cohen)

At the Newton event, adults could learn about climate action, clean energy, ranked-choice voting, gardening, etc., and there were also plenty of child-centered activities. About 70 volunteers helped out at the event, which had information and activities for people of all ages.

Ellie Goldberg (L) and Melissa Brown from Protect Newton Trees at the Newton Earth Day Festival. (photo: Julie M. Cohen)

Children got their faces painted, created masterpieces from Legos, and tried their luck at climate-themed carnival games set up outside.

Kyle Lin, 7, enjoyed playing climate carnival games at the Newton Earth Day Festival. (photo: Julie M. Cohen)
Evan Lin, 8, enjoyed playing climate carnival games at the Newton Earth Day Festival. (photo: Julie M. Cohen)
Cooper Morrison, 5, and his mom Maddie Pannell, enjoyed playing with LEGOs at the Newton Earth Day Festival. (photo: Julie M. Cohen)
Volunteer Minya Wang painted butterflies onto 6-year-old Ariella’s face during the Newton Earth Day Festival. (photo: Julie M. Cohen)

Here are links for the vendors and groups that were registered to participate:

For information on how to volunteer with the Swap Shop at Newton’s Resource Recovery Center (115 Rumford Ave.), email [email protected]

Bringing community together for Newton’s Earth Day Festival

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