We’re drawn to the fashion industry for its glamour and extravagance, blinded by the artistic expression and sense of individuality it brings. Yet, what many fail to see is that beneath the surface of all this allure lies a harmful cycle of overconsumption.
Earth.org researchers report the textile industry generates over 92 million tonnes of waste annually, and the average American discards more than 81 pounds of clothing each year. These statistics may come as a shock, but with the rise of fast fashion, the pace at which consumers cycle through their wardrobes has surged in the last couple years.
Sustainability has evolved from a buzzword to a pressing priority, with many companies exploring ways to reduce their environmental footprint. From sourcing eco-friendly materials to rethinking production processes and exploring circular fashion models, brands are now actively seeking innovative solutions.
This shift reflects a broader awareness within the industry that addressing environmental challenges is not just a trend, but an essential step toward securing a more sustainable future for both the planet and the fashion world.
Fashion students at Ball State University are discovering innovative ways to contribute to a more sustainable future through their creativity. Professor Audrey Robbins took action when Cathy DuBois, dean of the Miller College of Business, presented an exciting opportunity for a grant that would fund a wearable art course within the fashion program.
“We’ve offered similar special topics courses in the past, but it’s been a while,” Robbins explains. “I saw this as a chance to infuse sustainable practices into the curriculum. My goal was to align our students’ interests with the resources of the college, creating a project that benefits everyone involved.”
This semester, the class has been focused on creating unique upcycled fashion pieces that will be showcased at the upcoming Recycled Runway show, set to take place in early April on Ball State’s campus. They hope to educate consumers on how to reduce waste and make better decisions when it comes to the life cycle of textiles.
“Most consumers know how to recycle their glass jar or plastic jug, but they do not fully understand how to recycle their pair of jeans that have a rip or their coat that no longer fits,” Robbins says. “With this course I wanted to explore upcycling and reimagining things that we would otherwise discard. Simply donating clothing is the most known way to be sustainable, but that isn’t truly recycling materials. We also utilize a partner for textile recycling, CheckSammy, where we can divert fabrics from landfills.”
To ensure the future success of this initiative, Robbins has enlisted students Jakota Fischer and Emily Hayes to assist in the research and development necessary to sustain this course for years to come.
“In my research position for [the upcycling class], we’re working toward the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4: Quality Education, Goal 5: Gender Equality, and Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production,” Fischer explains. “Our focus is to integrate these principles into our upcycling practices and ensure the long-term sustainability of the course.”
The fashion industry has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past two decades. Not too long ago, we ordered clothing from catalogs that were customized to our sizes and preferences. Today, however, the industry is largely driven by fast trends and overconsumption, leaving little room for the appreciation of utility and individuality in what we wear.
Robbins reflects on her own experiences with textile reuse and hopes to share that knowledge with others.
“I cannot begin to count the number of outfits I had as a child that my grandmother and my mother would turn into something else, whether it be doll clothes or a quilt for my bed,” Robbins says. “Nothing was wasted. I hope that by opening the conversation of a second opportunity for textiles, we can move past the take-make-waste model of fast fashion and consider design an important element of providing sustainable alternatives in apparel.”
