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How to Design for Sustainability

Elementary, Middle, Secondary

Description

From toxic chemicals released into air and water to unsafe factories, the fashion industry is being scrutinized for the environmental and social damage it causes.  This film explains how the clothing supply chain can become more sustainable from the design phase to garment end of life.  As companies implement changes like innovative fabric technologies, better labour conditions and recyclable packaging, consumers can also be part of the solution by supporting eco-friendly and socially conscious brands.  Students will realize that they can benefit Earth and its inhabitants by carefully considering their future wardrobe selections.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

This video supports Grade 5-9 Science, Technology and Innovation and Home Economics units exploring the environmental and social impacts of clothing manufacturing and consumption.  The film also develops an awareness of the positive and negative interactions between humans and their environment and that consumer demand can help conserve natural resources and protect the living world.

The term "greenwashing" is introduced in this resource.  The idea that companies make false sustainability claims could be used to create a school display that highlights some of the worst and best clothing brands.  Students can use the "Good on You" website that provides ratings of popular fashion companies based on environmental performance.

Relevant Curriculum Units

The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.

  • Step 1Select a province
  • Alberta
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 7
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Interactions and Ecosystems
    • Grade 9
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Chemistry
        • Knowledge and Employability Science: Environmental Chemistry (Social and Environmental Contexts Emphasis)
  • Manitoba
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 5
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Technological Education
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Human Ecology: Clothing and Textiles -Citizenship and Sustainability
    • Grade 6
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Technological Education
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Human Ecology: Clothing and Textiles -Citizenship and Sustainability
    • Grade 7
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Interactions Within Ecosystems
      • Technological Education
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Human Ecology: Clothing and Textiles -Citizenship and Sustainability
    • Grade 8
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Technological Education
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Human Ecology: Clothing and Textiles -Citizenship and Sustainability
    • Grade 9
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Technological Education
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Human Ecology: Textile Arts and Design - Citizenship and Sustainability
  • New Brunswick
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 9
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 9 Ecosystem Dynamics: Learning and Living Sustainably
  • Newfoundland & Labrador
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 7
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Home Economics
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Home Economics Intermediate:Clothing Care
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Interaction of Ecosystems
    • Grade 8
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Home Economics
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Home Economics Intermediate: Clothing
    • Grade 9
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Home Economics
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Home Economics Intermediate: Clothing Module
  • Northwest Territories
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 7
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Interactions and Ecosystems
    • Grade 9
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Chemistry
  • Nova Scotia
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 7
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 7: Environmental Action
  • Nunavut
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 7
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Interactions and Ecosystems
    • Grade 8
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Interactions in Our Environment
    • Grade 9
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Chemistry and the Environment
        • Knowledge and Employability Science: Environmental Chemistry (Social and Environmental Contexts Emphasis)
  • Ontario
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 5
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science & Technology
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Earth and Space Systems: Conservation of Energy & Resources
    • Grade 7
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science & Technology
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Life Systems: Interactions in the Environment
    • Grade 9
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • :Biology: Sustainable Ecosystems
      • Technological Education
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Exploring Technologies (Open): Technology, the Environment and Society:
  • Prince Edward Island
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 7
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Home Economics
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Intermediate Home Economics:Sewing
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Interactions Within Ecosystems
    • Grade 8
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Home Economics
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Intermediate Home Economics:Sewing
    • Grade 9
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Home Economics
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Intermediate Home Economics:Sewing
  • Quebec
  • Saskatchewan
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 7
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 7: Life Science: Interactions within Ecosystems

Themes Addressed

Citizenship (1)

  • Sustainable Consumption

Human Health & Environment (1)

  • Environmental Contaminants & Health Hazards