Kaylee, Ayana and I (Gianna) were inspired to host the CVP, Students for Sustainable Fashion (SFSF), because of the vast negative impacts that the fast fashion industry has on the environment and society, including microplastic pollution, landfill waste build-up, carbon emissions, labor exploitation, and overconsumption. I initially researched this problem for a project in my Social Innovation class this term, where my group members and I studied fast fashion and investigated solutions to reduce the negative environmental and societal impacts of fast fashion. One of these solutions is the engagement in sustainable fashion, which includes thrifting, donating, upcycling, and recycling to promote a circular economy.
We intend to share our knowledge of fast fashion and sustainable fashion practices by spreading awareness of the harmful impacts of fast fashion, along with ways in which PEA students can engage in sustainable fashion. Realizing that we can’t eliminate fast fashion from our society, we have planned a set of activities associated with sustainable fashion for students to participate in, with the belief that every little effort to protect our environment matters. Activities will include clothing swaps; upcycling activities; DIY activities; informational sessions; and casual conversations about thrifting, sustainable brands and the Exeter Exchange, among other topics. We aim to inspire students to be eco-conscious individuals and provide them with the resources to integrate these practices into their daily lives.