‘Fast fashion’ is the term used to describe the mass production of cheap, poor-quality clothing. These cheaply made, trendy pieces have resulted in overwhelming amounts of consumption and waste. All the elements of fast fashion: trend replication, rapid production, low quality and competitive pricing add up to having a detrimental impact on the planet and the people involved in garment production. Many of today’s top fast fashion brands use toxic chemicals, dangerous dyes, and synthetic fabrics that seep into our water supplies. Each year 100,000 tonnes of clothing are estimated to be thrown out in Ireland (Community Reuse Network Ireland). These garments—full of plastics fibres, lead, pesticides, and countless other chemicals—rarely break down. Instead, they sit in landfills, releasing toxins into the air. Fast fashion’s carbon footprint is enormous, giving industries like air travel and oil a run for their money.
The Green-Schools Let’s Fix Fashion Project is open to students in schools that are actively working on the Green-Schools Global Citizenship themes or Litter and Waste theme. The project is currently accepting applications for this school year and we would love to hear from you!
No, this programme is open to anyone who is interested in finding out about the negative impacts of the fashion industry on our planet, and what we can do to slow down fashion: create less waste, use more sustainable materials, improve working conditions etc. We welcome those who are passionate about creating change!
Each year the campaign is launched with a documentary screening within the school and live panel discussion during Climate Action week. Students focus on one aspect of the problem and create a communication project around their message. Some of our past screenings include: A True Cost, A Textile Mountain and this year’s Fashion Reimagined
A circular economy aims to maintain the value of products, materials and resources for as long as possible by returning them into the product cycle at the end of their use, while minimising the generation of waste. It designs out waste restoring and regenerating nature extending the lifespan of textiles. The circular economy tackles climate change and biodiversity loss together while addressing social needs.
We encourage all schools involved in the programme to run their own clothes sharing, or swap shop, event.
Schools that actively participate in the project throughout the year will be entered into a draw to take part in a live end of year catwalk event where students will be given vouchers to purchase and put together outfits from second hand clothing stores. Participating schools will be awarded a certificate of completion.
We are delighted to launch our exciting new project Green-Schools Let’s Fix Fashion.
This project is open to secondary schools working on the Global Citizenship themes and deals new with a topic that is close to many teenagers’ hearts: fashion. We want to raise awareness of the devastating impacts of the fashion industry and to encourage students (and teachers) to join the movement to push the fashion system towards greater ecological integrity and social justice. We are encouraging students to upcycle their own clothes, select second-hand or buy from more ethical and sustainable brands. We are all consumers, and we have the power to make change.
The Green-Schools Lets Fix Fashion Project will consist of four online events and tasks based on themes such as the circular economy, sustainable materials and upcycling. The project will culminate in an end of year live Catwalk event that participating schools are in with a chance of attending.
Our first event, which ran as part of Climate Action Week, was a free virtual screening of the ground-breaking documentary ‘The True Cost’ followed by a post-screening panel discussion on Thursday 14th October. Over 350 classes signed up to take part! The documentary gave an eye-opening insight into the harm that Fast Fashion is having on our society and our environment.
School that are interested in registering to take part in this project should email Joanne at jscott@eeu.antaisce.org by Friday 22nd October.
Green-Schools, An Taisce Environmental Education Unit. Registered Charity Number: CHY 4741 / CRA No: 20006358 / Company No: 12469
