Fast Fashion – European Week For Waste Reduction

In anticipation of the European Week for Waste Reduction held between the 16th and 24th November and as part of Eko-Skola’s ongoing activities to support this year’s Litterless Campaign,  the Form 1 students’ Hangout Club hosted members from the Eko Skola Committee for a joint activity which was held on Friday 15th November. The activity focused on raising awareness on the environmental impact of our fashion choices.

 

Seven members from the Eko Skola Committee lead the 7 groups of students to discuss and the debate about how the  production and purchase of large amounts of cheap clothes are contributing to the problem of litter, pollution and environmental degradation.  For the session, all students were asked to bring along a favourite item of clothing. Through the information found on the labels, it was observed that most of our clothes are manufactured in factories half way across the world, where workers’ rights are not respected and workers work for a pittance.  It was also discovered that marketing techniques are very powerful and drive us to buy clothes which we do not really need.  Clothing is hardly ever mended and unwanted or old clothes are quickly replaced.  Shopping for new clothes has become a favourite pastime and impulse purchases are very common.

 

While recycling paper, plastic and food has become part of our daily routine, a large number of clothing still ends up as litter in landfills. We discussed how we can reuse clothing, make smarter decisions on purchases and look after the clothes we already have. The activity was concluded with a short quiz on the fast fashion industry in which all 7 groups participated.

 

Special thanks go to the following members of staff for organizing the event:  Ms. Joselle, Bonett, Ms. Leanne Cauchi, Ms. Mary Rose Formosa, Ms. Caroline Pullicino, Ms. Erika Scicluna and Ms. Berta Schembri