On October 15, the J.W. Jones Student Union will host the Green Runway: Upcycled and Recycled Fashion Show, aimed at raising awareness about the environmental impacts of fast fashion. This event is a collaboration between the Center for Engagement and Community Connection and the Office of Sustainability, encouraging participants to design original fashion pieces using thrifted, reused, repurposed, and natural materials.
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Tim Hill, Northwest Sustainability Coordinator, noted that this is the university’s inaugural sustainable fashion show. He remarked that while he has seen similar events elsewhere, Northwest has a long history of sustainability and recycling, making this show a fitting addition.
The rise of sustainable fashion shows seeks to educate both designers and consumers on ethical clothing production. Sustainable practices can reduce carbon emissions by utilizing renewable energy and resources that require less water, supporting broader water conservation goals. Currently, fast fashion is responsible for 10% of total global carbon emissions, a figure projected to increase to 60% by 2030. Furthermore, 85% of clothes produced in the fast fashion industry end up in landfills each year.
Jessie Peter, a Senior Coordinator, emphasized that the event provides students with a platform to express their creativity while fostering critical thinking about consumption, waste, and environmental responsibility. She highlighted the opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds to collaborate towards a common goal.
The fashion show features two categories: upcycled fashion and recycled fashion. The upcycled category requires outfits to be made by significantly altering existing garments and textiles, while the recycled category includes outfits using nontraditional recycled, salvaged, or natural materials sourced from disposal methods. An audience's choice award will also be presented.
Hill expressed hope that participants will not only enjoy the event but also reflect on their clothing choices and consider more sustainable habits. Multiple groups are involved in the production of the show, including the Office of the President, the Office of the Provost, the Recycling Center, the School of Fine and Performing Arts, Facility Services, and Elior.
Planning for the fashion show began last spring, with substantial work completed over the summer, leading into promotional efforts as the fall semester commenced.