Homestead High students rethink what we wear and what we give

"As Ranade and Yang learned more about fast fashion, they were surprised at just how large its impact on our planet is. What they dug up was striking: The fashion industry produces roughly 10% of global carbon emissions -more than international flights and maritime shipping combined-and, on average, Americans throw away about 81 pounds of clothing per person each year."

"Yang says the holiday season is one of the biggest times of year for overconsumption, especially when it comes to fast fashion. "The holidays really made it clear how important it is to think about the clothes we are giving and receiving, and what happens to these clothes after we're done with them.""

"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."

Advay Ranade and Muhan Yang observed high rates of holiday overconsumption and returned clothing, prompting concern about fast fashion. Research revealed the fashion industry produces roughly 10% of global carbon emissions and Americans discard about 81 pounds of clothing per person annually. The industry now produces twice as much clothing as in 2000 and could raise emissions 50% by 2030 if trends continue. The students organized a listening session with community members, city staff, and local officials to map local clothing-waste issues. They launched a yearlong Future Business Leaders of America community service initiative on sustainable fashion that reached thousands.

Read at The Mercury News