what?     who?     why?     how?     where?     |     partners     news     contact     home     reading, writing, arithmetic & runway: fashion in the classroom The world of fashion is an integral part of global youth culture. Though the industry is sometimes associated with negative connotations, it can nevertheless be used as a tool to positively influence youth behavior, attitudes and education. The concept of fashion is universally appealing as it defines what people wear and the trends they are exposed to in media. The fashion industry represents over $180 billion dollars of annual revenue just in the United States alone and is a business that is constantly evolving. The evolution, reinvention and appeal of the industry present fashion as an ideal outlet for introducing ecological concepts, responsible consumerism, and sustainability through standard educational programs. The aim of this program is to create a curriculum that innovatively combines media, popular culture, consumer awareness and environmental education using a concept called Eco-fashion. This goal represents a progressive transition and much-needed addition to customary educational programs. Eco-fashion is a term that encompasses a newly derived effort to connect the fashion world and its respective consumers to concepts of sustainability, equity and ecological awareness. Including this type of curriculum in the educational process ensures that vital messages will be delivered effectively and dynamically adapted to interest and to engage students. Through this type of education it will be possible to create awareness and inspire sustainable behavior and positive attitudes related to environmental issues. The curriculum aims to strongly associate students with influential concepts that they are already exposed to outside of school. Connecting environmental, socio-economic and cultural issues in a constructive and suitable way with fashion will ensure added attentiveness within the classroom, help students think outside classroom boundaries, and positively affect learning. Peers, advertisements, as well as celebrities (including actors, designers, musicians, television personalities, and models) influence how youth perceive themselves. Carefully utilizing these cultural icons in educational settings will provide opportunities for youth to develop informed opinions and to create change through personal decisions and creative outlets. By incorporating a multi-media approach, students will be exposed to environmental issues in a unique and engaging way. By identifying science-based and eco-fashion concepts, discussing local and international case studies and participating in hands-on activities, students will become aware of a more expansive definition of "recycling" and "sustainability" and begin asking questions about conscious consumerism when it comes to the clothing that they wear and the products they purchase. Students will also be exposed to more traditional educational topics throughout different units including, sustainable agriculture, geography, economics, mathematics, civics, world cultures, chemistry, toxicology, ecology, art, and social sciences. The curriculum will describe the connection and relevance between process and product by associating everyday purchases with their effects on community economies and the environment. The result will be an in-depth and innovative examination of basic ecological concepts, individual involvement and community engagement. ACADEMIC STANDARDS OF THE ECO-FASHION CURRICULUM The abridged pilot program of this curriculum largely covers broad topics as defined by The Academic Standards for Environment and Ecology (PA Dept. of Education, 2002) while addressing specific issues under each category. Major topics include: (1) Human Interactions Within their Environment, (2) Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources, (3) Environmental Health, (4) Agriculture and Society, and (5) Ecosystems and their Interactions. THE NEED FOR ECOFASHION 101 Investing in the latest trends or wearing a particular fashion is a large part of our culture, especially among young people (ages 10-25). Oftentimes there is an intellectual disconnect between how the products people purchase affect the environment, society and economy. In a recent youth survey undertaken by the United Nations, only 7 % of young people see their clothing purchases as having an impact on the environment. This lack of awareness seems to be stemmed from five possible reasons: The consequences of single purchasing decisions appear insignificant in the big picture of global environmental problems Clothing and fashion is a core part of youth identity and lifestyle so is less likely to be thought about extensively It is difficult to see the immediate environmental relevance of such apparently insignificant everyday actions so connections are not drawn The chain of events that links the action to its consequences is complex and difficult to follow The educational programs required to understand these concepts are not in place ECOFASHION 101 seeks to elucidate these issues and ameliorate the lack of knowledge by building knowledge value throughout the learning process. Once fully enacted, the curriculum will be a multi-disciplinary model that teaches sustainablility education and responsible citizenship to this generation. The curriculum not only builds excitement and interest around its mission, but also connects youth to outlets in their local communities and in the home. This provides permanence for the learning experience, which in turn compels responsible consumer attitudes and behaviors. Click here for the ECOFASHION 101 overview. Click here to find out more about the unit-lesson plan breakdown.

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