The Georgetown Steam Plant Science Fair is excited to announce:
"Next Step Beyond" Upcycle Fast Fashion Show
GLOBAL CHALLENGE:
The fast fashion industry is a major contributor to a wide-range of environmental problems, including water pollution, micro plastic pollution, and resource depletion. According to the World Bank, its annual carbon emissions are comparable to all international flights and maritime shipping combined.
Each year billions of garments are mass produced, worn, and discarded; with an estimated 92 million tons ending up in landfills all over the world. This equates to a garbage truck load of clothing discarded every second.If the current trends continue, this figure is projected to double by 2030. (Sources: Ellen MacArthur Foundation, UN Environment Program).
The rise of fast fashion is a relatively recent phenomenon, with its roots in the Industrial Revolution. However, the modern fast fashion model truly emerged in the mid-20th century with advancements in textile production, the development of synthetic materials, and the globalization of supply chains. This period witnessed the rise of global brands that pioneered "quick response" manufacturing, enabling them to rapidly adapt to changing trends and deliver new styles to consumers quickly.
DESIGN CHALLENGE
With this year’s spotlight "Break the System," we are inviting creatives of all ages to showcase their talents by transforming discarded and unwanted clothing into one-of-a-kind wearable art. Are you repurposing old textiles into feedstocks for new garment production? We want to see what your working on.
How can we, as a community of designers and innovators, break the fast fashion system?
Let's use our co-creative talents to showcase the science of sustainable fashion and combat the environmental and social impacts of this industry. Together lets:
Explore innovative reuse solutions from upcycling and repurposing that create new materials from textile waste.
Support your local makers and artisans that encourage sustainable fashion practices that build and invest in a stronger local textile economy.
Educate our communities and raise awareness about the environmental and social costs of fast fashion.
Advocate for systemic change that support policies that promote sustainability and ethical production practices.
We can't wait to see your amazing designs come to life!
