It is becoming more and more important for people in every country, of all ages, to learn about sustainability. At the moment the way we live is often unsustainable – particularly in the rich countries of the North – and it is easy for people to feel that they can’t make a difference. As consumers we are free to buy and use products that either help or damage the long-term sustainability of the planet. One area that is particularly important is sustainable textiles and eco-fashion.

recycled clothing is good for the planet. You’re not wasting fabrics or old clothes that might otherwise go in the bin and become landfill which can create serious environmental problems

Textiles make up about 3% of our household waste, which adds up to one million tonnes thrown out every year. At least half of this could be recycled

Buying second-hand saves resources and means less pollution too. Buying from a charity shop means that your money will go to a good cause, but charity shops aren’t the only way. Jumble sales, car boot sales and eBay are other alternatives.

What is Ethical Fashion? Ethical fashion means fashion which takes into consideration the people behind the clothes we wear, as well as the environment.

When you buy a piece of clothing, you may not think twice about where it was originally made, by whom and under what conditions. All the clothes we wear have a story behind them. It is quite common for one piece of clothing - say a pair of jeans - to be made up of components from five or more countries, often thousands of miles away, before they end up in our high street store. All the steps in the production of a pair of jeans affect the people working to grow cotton, to weave the denim and to make the jeans. These steps also affect the environment we live in.

During Fashion week, we have the opportunity to make sustainable fashion accessories re-using materials.

Some useful links Shoes: Clothes promoting textile recyclingwww.lmb.co.ukwww.fromsomewhere.co.uk

Recycled sari shopping bag Shoulder bag from recycled juice cartons

Have you / your team got a company name? Who is/ are your model /s? What will they be wearing? How will it be made? (e.g. attached) What are the roles for each group member? What needs to be found / prepared for next week? What music is being used?

dress made with postage stamps