EXHIBITION STATEMENT

Introduction

Each year, the fashion industry ends up producing around 92 million tons of textile waste, which either ends up in landfills or incinerated. When college students were asked, many did not know what happens to their clothes when they grow out of them or they get ruined. The issue is that many individuals do not realize the impact clothing disposal has on the environment. In a time where global warming is on the rise and we are trying to reduce waste, it is important to explore sustainable ways of textile disposal. There are many methods, such as donating, upcycling, and thrifting, which all allow people to get rid of old clothing without filling a landfill.

Literature Review

When it comes to sustainable fashion, many people focus on how to sustainably produce clothing. When disposed of sustainably we can reduce landfill space and greenhouse gasses, as well as save energy and help those in need. This is very important because as far as sustainable fashion goes, many people are focused on how to produce textiles more sustainably and put an end to fast fashion, even  though many college students. Generally, sustainable fashion is thought of as using more eco-friendly materials and eliminating fast fashion. However, the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s 2017 data tables showed that “In 2017, 16,890 tons of textiles were generated—only 2,570 tons were recycled, and 11,150 tons were landfilled.” (EPA) Part of this though, is trying to understand why people choose not to donate their clothing, since it is such an easy process and determine how UMD students feel about their own disposal habits. 

Methods

This project consists of many methods, including archival research, interviews, and surveys. The main point of the archival research is to gain a better understanding of the importance of sustainable fashion, sustainable disposal options, benefits of thrifting, and some history of thrifting. The interviews and surveys are used to gain a better understanding of the habits and attitudes of the students of the University of Maryland. Working with the President and Sustainability Chairs of two chapters, Delta Phi Epsilon and Gamma Phi Beta, a donation bin was set up at each house and each held a thrift shop where they sold the clothes to raise money for their philanthropies. 

Audience & Impact

    The intended audience for this project is the students of UMD with the focus being on those in Greek Life. The goal is to inform and educate the students of UMD about sustainable fashion disposal, specifically focusing on donation and thrifting while also discussing the habits of UMD students and our campus’ current stance on sustainability. This project has taught me about the importance of sustainable fashion and sustainable disposal and how to implement the changes I want to see in my community. Seeing the progress and end results made me proud of my work and I now want to continue this project and advocate for donation sites in the future. 

References

EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/textiles-material-specific-data. 

Acknowledgements

    I would like to thank Harold, Heather, and Gabi for their guidance throughout this semester. I would also like to thank all survey and interview participants.