Next Gen: Education as a Tool for Action

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.

Sustainable fashion education needs to be available to everyone, not just a select few.

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.

Igniting curiosity from an early age empowers individuals to take action, driving meaningful change through informed choices and advocacy.

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.

Learning that this is a universal concern that demands every individual’s contribution is the first step towards sustainability action in fashion.