Emmaus College students tackle fast fashion with innovative swap shop
Published on 16 August 2024
Students from the Emmaus College Earth Care group are taking the lead in the fight against fast fashion after launching their own innovative swap shop for their peers.
This initiative is thanks to support from Rockhampton Regional Council’s Recycling Hero School program.
The Earth Care group worked closely with Council, Resource Recovery Australia, and St Vincent de Paul Society Rockhampton to learn firsthand about the growing issues of fast fashion and its negative environmental and social impact.
Waste and Recycling Councillor Shane Latcham said this unique project gives students the chance to exchange good quality pre-loved clothing and accessories in a fun and sustainable way.
“Textiles is a major waste problem locally and nationwide, and fast fashion is a significant contributor to this issue,” Cr Latcham said.
“Fast fashion refers to inexpensive clothing often produced under poor work conditions and wages to meet rapidly changing fashion industry trends which encourages customers to shop more frequently for new styles.
"Not only does this put increased pressure on our landfill, but microplastics from clothes typically made from polyester are also making their way into our local waterways.”
Understanding these challenges, the students decided to take action through a creative and impactful approach by setting up their own swap shop at Emmaus College.
“In the weeks leading up to the launch of their swap shop, students collected good quality second-hand clothing and accessories from their peers to be sorted,” Cr Latcham said.
“Students donated pre-loved clothing they no longer wear or need and received points in return which were then used to redeem other clothing items and accessories from the shop.
“The students also learnt about the ‘bestie test’ – if you wouldn’t gift your second-hand clothing to your best friend, it’s not donation-worthy.
“This means that only high-quality items are circulated, further promoting the idea that second-hand doesn't always mean second-best.”
Before launching the swap shop, students spent a project day at the local St Vincent De Paul and Council’s Reviva Ibis Reuse Shop, learning how these facilities operate and gathering ideas on how to run their own shop.
Emmaus College Assistant Principal and Earth Care Group Leader Aine Toman said as part of a fun and educational challenge, students were tasked with finding and creating a complete outfit for under $30 at Reviva Ibis.
“Our students had an amazing time at Vinnies and the Reviva Ibis Reuse Shop,” said Ms Toman.
“They loved searching for items they actually wanted to wear and walked away knowing that second-hand shopping is not only a cost-effective way to stay fashionable, but also helps extend the life of clothing.
“Our Junior Earth Care Fast Fashion Committee has been working hard to raise awareness about the fast fashion industry.
“The students learned that even if they buy from fast fashion stores, they can make a difference by wearing their clothes for longer and swapping with friends.
“We encouraged everyone to bring their ‘bestie-worthy’ items to the swap shop and leave with something they’re proud to wear.”
The Recycling Hero School program is a full education program which includes a series of lessons and hands-on activities that can be linked to the national curriculum for a number of subjects and year levels.
For more information about becoming a Recycling Hero School, email rrwr@rrc.qld.gov.au or get in touch on 4932 9000.
Interesting facts:
- 23kg of clothing per person in Australia is landfilled every year.
- Australians buy 56 new clothing items per year.
- More than half of the clothes sold in Australia are made from polyester – which is plastic.