What We Wear

Clothing is expensive, wasteful, and deeply personal. How could your idea change the way your community dresses?

~10%of global carbon emissions are linked to the fashion industry

2xclothing production roughly doubled in the last two decades

<1%of clothing is recycled into new clothing

7-10wears is the average life of many fast-fashion items

About this challenge

Clothing is expensive, wasteful, and deeply personal. We buy more clothes than ever, wear them less, and throw them away faster.

This challenge asks how your idea could change the way your community dresses.

Fashion is one of the most polluting industries in the world, but also one of the most creative and personal.

Repair, resale, rental, swapping, and local making are all growing fast, and they suit small communities perfectly.

Watch

The life cycle of a t-shirt (TED-Ed)

Tap to play · loads from YouTube

Think about

Question 1Where do clothes in your town come from, and where do they end up?

Question 2What do people need clothes for here: work, weather, celebration?

Question 3Could clothes be repaired, swapped, rented, or remade locally?

Question 4Could your town develop its own style or signature garment?

Question 5Who in your town can sew, knit, or design?

Question 6What would your town's quirks demand from clothing?

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