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- Sustainable Fashion
- sustainable fashion, fast fashion
Overview
Lochgelly High School, based in Fife, Scotland, is known for its commitment to innovative teaching that goes beyond the classroom. Recently, under the direction of Miss N. Hunter, Principal Teacher of Social Subjects, the school explored global issues through a unique project designed to educate students about the negative impact of the fast fashion industry.
The Challenge
To provide the students with a well-rounded understanding of fast fashion and its repercussions, the schools geography teacher, Dr Donald, conceived a series of lessons focusing on:
- The global supply chain and the distance our clothes travel.
- The working conditions in garment factories, with a deep look at production in Bangladesh.
- Greenwashing tactics versus authentic sustainable fashion practices.
- The human and environmental cost of cheap, mass-produced clothing.
The project culminated in the task of designing a T-shirt to spread awareness about the issues surrounding fast fashion. Students were encouraged to think critically and creatively, with their final designs focusing on questions such as:
- "Who made your clothes?"
- "Is cost or origin more important?"
However, producing the winning T-shirt designs sustainably posed a challenge. Lochgelly High School sought a partner dedicated to truly sustainable practices in garment production and printing.
The winning front design
The winning rear design
The Solution
GoCustom Clothing partnered with Lochgelly High School to help bring the students’ designs to life while staying true to sustainable principles. Their approach included the following innovations:
Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing
The T-shirts used for this project were sourced from Stanley/Stella, a brand known for its 100% organic cotton and recycled polyester materials. Their manufacturing process is ethically transparent, certified by GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and GRS (Global Recycled Standard). This ensured that the garments were not only environmentally friendly but also compliant with socially responsible workplace standards.
Students modelling their winning designs
Waste-Free Printing Technology
GoCustom Clothing produced the designs using the Kornit Atlas Max DTG printer, which relies on:
- Water-based, chemical-free inks to minimise environmental impact.
- A zero-waste process, where printing is done directly onto fabric, eliminating excess resources.
This on-demand manufacturing approach ensures only the required quantity of T-shirts is produced, reducing waste and avoiding the need for overstock.
The winning designs being printed on one of GoCustom's Atlas Max machines
Renewable Energy-Powered Production
The printing facility partly used solar energy to power its operations, further reducing its carbon footprint and showing that sustainable initiatives extend beyond materials to include the entire production process.
The Outcome
The winning design, a powerful illustration depicting the impact of fast fashion, featured phrases such as "Stop fast fashion," "Protect our ecosystem," and "Save our planet." The artwork combined vibrant and contrasting colours to symbolise a healthy versus polluted Earth, bringing the devastating effects of fast fashion to life in a visually striking way.
The sustainable production of the T-shirts resonated with the students' message, reinforcing the values of ethical and eco-conscious practices they had studied. By using sustainable materials and practices, GoCustom Clothing ensured the project was an embodiment of the lessons the students had learned.
The winning design printed onto a Stanley/Stella Creator 2.0 100% Organic Cotton T-shirt
Head Teacher Mr R. Stewart modelling the winning design from the fast fashion competition.
Lessons and Impact
This project not only educated students about the real-world impact of fast fashion but also demonstrated sustainable solutions through action. Key takeaways include:
- Students gained a critical awareness of global fashion production processes and their consequences.
- The project showcased how businesses like GoCustom Clothing can be part of the solution, illustrating practical ways to reduce waste and adopt ethical practices.
- By wearing the designs, students and staff became advocates for sustainable change, spreading awareness far beyond the classroom walls.
Why GoCustom Clothing?
The Lochgelly High School project highlighted GoCustom Clothing's commitment to sustainability and proved that high-quality, ethical garment production is achievable without compromising creativity or quality. By adhering to sustainable practices, they exemplified the future of fashion production.
If you’re looking for a partner to help bring your designs to life sustainably and ethically, GoCustom Clothing is ready to help. Together, we can make a difference one T-shirt at a time.
Miss Hunter and the teaching team wearing the winning design
Calling all Teachers
Educators, why not inspire your students by incorporating sustainability and challenging fast fashion into your lessons? Projects like the Lochgelly High School initiative demonstrate how practical, creative activities can teach valuable lessons about ethical practices and environmental responsibility.
Encourage your students to think critically about the impact of their choices while fostering their creativity.
Together, we can empower the next generation to shape a more sustainable future.
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