Empowering Youth to Break Free from Fast Fashion

K-12 STEAM education

City of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a citywide benefit)

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

Through interactions with LAUSD's Linked Learning Pathways programming, as well as being hired as a workshop host for LACI's Middle School Girls in STEM program and the LA Zoo's Youth Conservation Symposium, I have learned that the youth themselves are realizing that fast fashion is one of the major problems facing their generation. Program directors are also becoming more aware of the need to increase access to sustainable fashion options, as well as how to train today's youth to become change-makers in this industry and beyond. Because sewing and repair skills are no longer taught in schools or home-ec classes, this generational knowledge is being lost. However due to the rise of popularity of upcycling clothes on social media and increasing awareness of the pollution and waste caused by fast fashion, students and program directors are actively seeking ways to incorporate circular fashion skills and apparel production career training into their curriculum.

With our Mobile Circular Fashion Lab (a zero-emissions EV box truck that allows us to bring our workshop materials to sites across LA), we are able to host interactive, circular fashion workshops directly on school campuses. Workshops and activations include but are not limited to:
Lectures and discussions outlining the problems caused by fast fashion and its harmful effects on local communities (especially right here in Los Angeles) and the regenerative solutions that circular fashion provides.
Our ReDye to ReLove workshop where participants can pick a dyeable garment in their size and learn how to apply a variety of dyeing or bleaching techniques to give it a fresh new life. This turns a garment that would otherwise be destined for landfill into a coveted new style that participant can love.
Clothing collections drives and clothing swaps where participants learn sorting techniques and how to identify clothing with value versus clothing that requires repair or redesign.
Repair and Redesign workshops where participants learn how to repair specific items like their favorite pair of ripped jeans, how to turn old tees into premium, useful totebags, or how to add decorative patches to any garment to give it a unique look.
How-to-sew workshops where participants learn basic sewing skills using the introductory sewing machines and tools we provide.
Our workshops focus on empowering participants with skills they can replicate at home using readily available, affordable tools.

Environmental Impact:
Less clothing in local landfills.
Decreased production of new clothing translates to reduced carbon emissions, water usage, and pollution.
LA will lead in incorporating circularity into curriculum, inspiring other regions.
Economic Development:
LA will further establish itself as a hub for fashion innovation, developing new solutions and jobs in repair, upcycling, and circular technologies.
Increased local production and repair services reduces reliance on imports.
Social Impact:
Students will become leaders in sustainability, sharing knowledge with family and friends and becoming more conscious consumers.
Workshops foster community connections, knowledge sharing, and collective action.
Sewing, repair, and repurposing skills will be revitalized.
Educational Transformation:
STEAM programs prepare students for a green economy.
Practical experience makes learning more engaging and relevant.
New career pathways will provide opportunities for meaningful employment.