Far too much is disposable these days, including what we wear.
A Grade Nine Geo class at Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute (VCI) is trying to bring attention to the problem of so-called “fast fashion,” clothes that are quickly and cheaply produced to look stylish so they are following the latest trends but are affordable for the average person. The low quality of these items often means people do not wear them for long and the items deteriorate to the point where they are of no use to thrift stores or as hand-me-downs. They usually end up in the trash and in a landfill. There are also ethical questions about the working conditions of people whose job it is to produce fast fashion clothing.
Many of the most popular current chain clothing stores sell items considered to be fast fashion.
“We’re trying to bring awareness about this,” said student Neya Rao.
Student Maya Pfeffer said raising awareness about waste in fashion was an alternative to usual textbook learning.
To raise that awareness, on Thursday, May 23, the class is presenting a fashion show of sustainable and repurposed clothing at VCI. The event begins at 6 pm.
Through the fashion show, the class wants to help educate the audience about clothes that are good—or not good for the environment.
“It’s like a learning experience,” Rao said.
Donations of items to be showcased in the fashion show were taken from students and staff in the VCI community.
