What Is It made of? image frame

What Is It made of?

Plastic waste reduction

Project summary

Exploring and reducing the environmental impact of - fast-fashion culture.  

Learning outcome

Help students understand the environmental impact of clothing materials, make sustainable choices, and explore practices like second-hand shopping, using organic materials, repairing, and upcycling.

Time required

45 minutes

Tools or equipment

- Samples of different fabrics (organic cotton, polyester, linen, etc.)
- A whiteboard or poster for writing the class pledge
- A short video or images showing the impact of synthetic materials

Activity description

This lesson teaches students about the environmental impact of different clothing materials and how to make sustainable choices, such as opting for organic cotton, second-hand shopping, and upcycling. Through activities like checking clothing labels and brainstorming ways to upcycle old clothes, students learn practical ways to reduce their environmental footprint.
Step by step description: 

Introduction to Clothing Materials (10 minutes)

Objective: Understand clothing materials and their environmental impacts.

Activity: Ask: "What are your clothes made of? Have you checked the labels?"

Discuss: Natural (cotton, wool, silk) vs. synthetic (polyester, nylon) materials.

Key Points:

  • Polyester: Made from petroleum, non-biodegradable, sheds microplastics.
  • Cotton: Uses lots of water/pesticides; organic cotton is more sustainable.
  • Fast fashion contributes significantly to carbon emissions and pollution.

Visual Aid: Show a short video or images comparing natural vs. synthetic impacts.

Evaluating Your Own Clothes (10 minutes)

Objective: Reflect on the materials in personal clothing.

Activity: Check labels of your clothes and note materials.

Group Discussion: Share findings and discuss common materials and their uses.

Reflection: "Did you find more natural or synthetic materials? How do you feel about their impact?"

Making Wise Material Choices (10 minutes)

Objective: Learn about sustainable clothing materials.

Key Points:

  • Organic cotton, linen, hemp: Sustainable, less resource-intensive.
  • Tencel, bamboo: Renewable and biodegradable.
  • Recycled materials: Reduce waste.

Discuss: "What materials would you choose now and why?"

Interactive: Feel samples of different fabrics (if available).

Sustainable Clothing Practices (10 minutes)

Objective: Explore ways to extend clothing life and reduce waste.

Key Points:

  • Shop second-hand, repair clothes, organize swaps, and upcycle items.
  • Buy less, focus on quality.

Activity: Brainstorm creative upcycling ideas and share with the class.

Pledge and Wrap-Up (5 minutes)

Objective: Commit to sustainable clothing choices.

Activity: Create and sign a class pledge: "Care for clothes, choose sustainable materials, and reduce waste."

Final Thoughts:

Recap key points and encourage students to share with their families.

Homework: Evaluate your wardrobe at home; identify items to repair, upcycle, or donate. 

Tips how to implement the topic to school curriculum

Science and environmental studies:

Helps understand the impact of human activities on the environment  specifically focusing on how clothing production and consumption affect climate change and waste; keywords: carbon footprint of fast fashion industry, environmental impact of different materials, consequences of plastic pollution from synthetic fibers

Social studies and citizenship:

This lesson can be part of discussion on consumerism, ethical consumption, and global citizenship. It teaches students about the social and ethical implications of fast fashion, such as labor practices and resource exploitation; keywords: global supply chains and their social impact, responsible choices, ethical consumption, social responsibility of business and consumers

Art and design:

The lesson can be used in art and design classes to inspire creativity in upcycling, fashion design, and sustainable art projects. Students can explore sustainable design principles and create projects using recycled or eco-friendly materials; keywords: creativity in upcycling materials, sustainable art, promote environmental awareness