Next Gen: Education as a Tool for Action
Next Gen: Education as a Tool for Action
This article is a contribution from Next Gen Assembly 2023 Members, Ikeoluwa Adebisi and Indira Varma.
Understanding how to make positive changes in the fashion industry starts with learning more about sustainable fashion. A simple saying captures this well: the more you know, the better you can do. As people immersed in a self-guided exploration of fashion sustainability, we have come to recognise the pivotal role of education in this journey—tapping into resources like books, journals, podcasts, and online courses to gain the necessary knowledge. So, if you are on a journey to grasp what sustainable fashion is and how to apply it in your daily life, education is your go-to guide.
Educational Gaps in Sustainable Fashion
But here is the catch—there is a significant gap in our education system when it comes to sustainable fashion. Are schools teaching it? How are they teaching it? Is it something you can learn beyond the classroom? These are the important questions we need to ask if we want to see real changes in the fashion industry.
According to a UN report, “Education was deemed to be one of the most powerful tools at hand to drive the transformational changes necessary for sustainable development, but to realise this potential, education systems need to be flexible, culturally sensitive, relevant, and suited to changing people’s values and behaviours.”
Foundations in Climate Education
If children understand climate change early on, it is easier to teach them about sustainable fashion and how to reduce their impact later. Many youths view sustainable fashion as an integral part of their upbringing, advocating for early education on the value and impact of clothing. Aditi Mayer, 2023 Next Gen Assembly Ambassador highlights how the current system of fast fashion is based on the “process of alienation” from the makers and underscores the importance of understanding the making process to cultivate mindfulness towards consumption. By instilling these values from childhood, individuals develop a profound appreciation for clothing, fostering responsible consumption habits.
Global Disparities in Fashion Education
Fashion education must be available all around the world, in a way that is adapted to nuanced cultural contexts. According to Monika Murzyn-Kupisz and Dominika Holuj, globally, contemporary fashion education needs a multi-dimensional adjustment to the curricula to reflect the complex nature of sustainability problems. There is work to be done to make sure everyone can learn about sustainable fashion.
Shaping Informal Learning Experiences
Access to formal education is not universal, but informal learning avenues are abound within communities. Parents, neighbours, and local artisans serve as sources of invaluable knowledge on sustainable practices. By tapping into these informal networks, individuals can gain insights into traditional techniques, resourcefulness, and holistic approaches to fashion. Opening our minds to these experiences fosters a deeper understanding of sustainability beyond conventional education systems. This allows us to consider how we, as individuals, can play a vital role in alleviating harm caused due to irresponsible consumption, production, and waste generation. At this juncture, it is essential that we understand our position and roles as a changemakers.
The Collective Responsibility of Unsustainable Fashion
The problem of waste in the fashion industry transcends business and design; it is a collective responsibility. Producers and consumers alike wear clothes daily, making sustainable fashion a concern for everyone.
How can we make things better? Here are some ideas:
Understanding sustainable fashion can be quite overwhelming and intimidating with the influx of information. Embarking on this journey requires a multifaceted approach, hence, here is a framework of actionable steps you can implement right away.
Education serves as a potent catalyst for driving sustainable fashion action, empowering individuals to adopt mindful consumption habits and advocate for systemic change. By leveraging existing practices, embracing informal learning experiences, and initiating actionable steps, we can collectively shape a more sustainable future for the fashion industry and the planet.
The 2023 Next Gen Assembly cohort came together from across the globe and disciplines to reflect on what change within the fashion industry can look like.
Interwoven is for students curious to learn more about sustainable fashion; creatives looking to co-create solutions for an industry in crisis; and commercial leaders eager to work with the next generation.
We are pleased to introduce the inaugural edition of "The Policy Pulse" - a new format where we dive deep into discussions with some of the most relevant policymakers who are playing a key role in defining the future of the textile industry.
Learn more about members of Global Fashion Agenda’s Innovation Forum paving the way for industry-wide transformation across the five priorities of the GFA Monitor.
As we observe Earth Day on April 22, it is crucial to acknowledge the significant impact of the fashion industry on our planet.
