Second life for old swimsuits

A novel idea to recycle swimsuits while encouraging swimmers to invest in a discounted upcycled pair of togs will have the twinned benefit of saving tired costumes from landfill.

Louise Griffin conceived the Blackrock Beachwear collection of sea swimming gear during the lockdown when she took the plunge in Salthill for the first time ever.

Not only did she learn to swim from Youtube, the nail technician set up a new business which has gone from the strength to strength, with fans from near and afar being won over by the logo bearing the iconic diving board.

Now she’s launched a new scheme, called Trade Your Togs, for swim enthusiasts.

“We want your old swimsuits,” urges Louise.

“Our aim is to keep as much clothing as possible out of landfill. Polyester and lycra can take hundreds of years to biodegrade, releasing harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

“We want to do what we can to improve our sustainability and reduce our carbon footprint.”

The old swimsuits will be upcycled for the textile industry and used to make items such as carpet underlay and upholstery.

The costumes must be clean and free of embellished jewellery or metal, such as zips.

The senders will get a recycling code for 10% off their next swimsuit with Blackrock Beachwear.

Their tripled layered long sleeve and regular swimsuits are made from 100% recycled material. This includes plastic bottles and other industrial and pre consumer plastic waste.

Louise, who grew up in the Claddagh but lives in Shantalla, has continued to enjoy her sea swimming every day after becoming a late convert.

And she has managed to keep a core group of at least 20 connected throughout the lockdown who have benefited from the social outlet of meeting up to go for a swim and a chat.

One of the ‘Cosmic Swimmers’ group, Avril Horan Kyne, has even had a swimming costume named after her.

“We were all swimming on our own and suddenly we started to meet up when we could. It was great for our mental health. Friendships have formed and the bonds we’ve made – I feel as if I’ve known them for years,” she exclaims.

“Louise has even got me modelling for Blackrock Beachwear – and I’m not a model; I’m 5’5” and a size 12. And it’s given some of the other girls confidence to do modelling as we all feel a part of it. It’s a lovely thing to be part of, to watch a local business grow from the start and a budding entrepreneur.”

To view the collection, search Blackrock Beachwear.