Fashion students design for a plastic-free future
From polyester to nylon to spandex, much of our clothing is made of plastic. That plastic, when worn and washed, sheds tiny microplastics that get into the air, the water, our landscapes, and even our food. The human health impacts of these microplastics are not yet well understood.
How can we reduce the amount of plastic produced by the fashion industry, and in turn, keep ourselves and our waters healthier? Ginny Carlton, Wisconsin Sea Grant’s education outreach specialist, believes that one pathway to reducing fashion’s current 20% contribution to global plastic production is working with up-and-coming young fashion designers on developing sustainable practices.
Over the last few years, Carlton has been working with Mount Mary University’s lauded fashion program to bring marine debris education to students. Carlton and Deidre Peroff (Wisconsin Sea Grant’s social science outreach specialist), along with partners at Milwaukee Riverkeeper, have led teacher trainings and taught lessons on plastics and sustainability, facilitated clothing swap events, and hosted two performances of the participatory play Me and Debry, which is about marine debris prevention.
Funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Community Action program helped students get access to natural fibers. Natural fiber fabrics, like silk, are expensive and typically outside the price range of students. The project allowed many students to buy and dye natural fibers for the first time. Their colorful creations can be seen in our new “Fashion students design for a plastic-free future” video.
The University of Wisconsin Aquatic Sciences Center administers Wisconsin Sea Grant, the Wisconsin Water Resources Institute, and Water@UW–Madison. The center supports multidisciplinary research, education, and outreach for the protection and sustainable use of Wisconsin’s water resources. Wisconsin Sea Grant is one of 34 Sea Grant programs supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in coastal and Great Lakes states that encourage the wise stewardship of marine resources through research, education, outreach, and technology transfer.