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Who is Responsible for Sustainable Fashion?

Elementary, Middle, Secondary

Description

The fashion industry has a history of being one of the world's worst polluters and violating human rights with issues like using child labour and paying unfair wages.  This video teaches students how governments, industry associations and non-profit organizations like "Fashion Takes Action" are working towards improvements.  However, as the narrators explain, sustainable fashion ultimately depends on consumer demand.  If we choose to value quality over quantity, recycle or donate unwanted garments and expect transparency from manufacturers then we can all help reduce the environmental and social impacts of the clothing we buy.

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 film promotes individual action through reduced consumption by repurposing or donating unwanted clothing.  A class could develop an action project that informs peers about reuse and recycling with a school "clothing swap".  Community volunteers with sewing skills could also assist with alterations or design changes.  This event would enable students to change their wardrobe without purchasing new items and support discussions about sustainable fashion.

Relevant Curriculum Units

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Themes Addressed

Citizenship (1)

  • Sustainable Consumption

Waste Management (1)

  • Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

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