Homestead High students rethink what we wear and what we give

"The fashion industry produces roughly 10% of global carbon emissionsmore than international flights and maritime shipping combinedand, on average, Americans throw away about 81 pounds of clothing per person each year. As closets fill with new purchases, millions of usable garments are discarded, often after being worn only a handful of times. Today's fast-fashion industry is producing twice as much clothing as it did in 2000, and if these trends continue, the industry's global emissions are projected to increase 50% by 2030."

"The students led a listening session that connected them with community members, city staff and local elected officials, including Cupertino Councilwoman Sheila Mohan, to better understand how clothing waste shows up at the local level and where student-led efforts could make a difference. Those conversations helped shape the direction of their work and pushed them to think big. We wanted to make an impact in our school, but also beyond our school, Ranade says."

Holiday overconsumption, especially of fast fashion, drives large environmental and waste impacts. The fashion industry accounts for roughly 10% of global carbon emissions, and Americans discard about 81 pounds of clothing per person annually. Fast-fashion production has doubled since 2000 and could increase industry emissions by 50% by 2030 if trends continue. Local students organized listening sessions with community members, city staff, and elected officials to identify how clothing waste appears locally and where student efforts could help. Students launched a yearlong Future Business Leaders of America initiative focused on sustainable fashion, prioritizing education and community outreach that reached thousands.

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