“Fast Fashion is not my passion!”- Training on the multiple global implications of Fast Fashion

Why this project?

Climate change represents a global threat that is already having devastating and irreparable consequences on the economic, social, and environmental systems. In the context of the climate crisis, the fashion industry plays a significant yet often overlooked role.

Fast fashion poses an escalating threat, and its long-term impacts disproportionately affect young people. Fast fashion has created a culture of disposable clothing, where new collections are churned out at an alarming rate. This relentless production cycle demands vast amounts of natural resources, contributing to severe environmental degradation. The fashion industry is now one of the largest polluters in the world, responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions. The rivers are contaminated with toxic dyes and microplastics, while landfills overflow with garments that decompose slowly, releasing harmful chemicals into the soil and air.

Beyond the environmental impact, the human cost of fast fashion is devastating. The pursuit of ever-cheaper production has led to the exploitation of millions of workers in developing countries and not only. These individuals, often women and children, work in unsafe conditions for meagre wages, devoid of basic rights and protections. It is unacceptable that in the 21st century, we still tolerate modern-day slavery in the name of fashion.

Fast fashion encourages a culture of overconsumption and overproduction. We are bombarded with the message that our worth is tied to the latest trends, leading to a cycle of constant purchasing and disposal. This throwaway culture not only depletes our planet's resources but also undermines the values of quality and longevity in the products we buy.

By attending this training course the participants will:

• Have a solid understanding of what Fast Fashion is in our modern society;
• Be able to explain the implications and connection of Fast Fashion Industry and Sustainability, Environment, Climate Change, Workers Right, Gender Discrimination and more;
• Develop their critical thinking regarding Advertisement and the Media's influence on the life of young people as well as Greenwashing techniques;
• Develop practical skills in facilitating learning spaces for young people on the topic of Fast Fashion and its global implications;
• Be motivated to transfer in their day-to-day life the core learning of this training;
• Be more critical about the consequences of overconsumption and overproduction as reflected in many areas of our current life;
• Be prepared and confident to foster a culture of responsible consumption (beyond the topic of Fast Fashion) in their work with young people.  

The course is strongly based on experiential learning principles and philosophy, with adequate time allocated for debriefing and reflection throughout the whole program. The working methods used are chosen to offer the possibility of equal involvement of each participant and every person would be engaged actively in the process.  The training activities are flexible and adaptable to group needs taking into account the reactions of participants, their feedback, their expressed needs, their experience and the way they will work as a group.

The learning process will be guided and facilitated by Andreea-Loredana Tudorache and Elena Stevkovska who carry a deep passion and belief in personal change concerning big global issues. They have developed and engaged in numerous projects touching on global problems from multiple lenses and using various methods to bring important topics to the attention of regular people. They have used street and online campaigning, non-formal education methodology as well as Theatre of the Oppressed methods to touch on topics such as global interdependencies, responsible consumption, sustainability, sustainable lifestyle, climate change, human rights, etc. always with a critical and deep perspective and with a strong focus on highlighting the role and power of each individual.    

Do you want to take part in this learning opportunity? This is what we are looking for:

• Members or close collaborators of active Youth Organization (staff or active member, paid or not). The organization should have a valid OID number (we will sign partnership agreements with the sending organization).
• Willingness and motivation to be involved in the partner organization for at least one more year after the project.
• Enthusiastic youth workers who are motivated towards taking a strong lead in designing and/or facilitating meaningful learning experiences for young people on the topic of Fast Fashion and Responsible Consumption.
• People who have a strong belief that individuals, through changes in their day-to-day lives, can influence global problems.
• Good command of the English language;
• People older than 18 years and with a legal residence (proven by valid documents) in the country they are currently residing in.

Important to have in mind before deciding to apply:

• If you do not provide an OID number your application will be considered ineligible.
• Your organization should be based in the same country as you are currently residing in. If your situation is different you might not be eligible to participate in the course.
• Double-check the eligible countries from which we can accept participants. Do not apply if you do not currently reside in one of them.
• For this training, we prioritize a quality and intensive learning process. There will be 6 hours of learning sessions every day and 1 half a day free from sessions in the entire training. There will be no trips or organized excursions offered – each participant will organize their free time as they wish.
• Global problems are complex and require holistic solutions for fostering long-term changes. One single training cannot ensure quality learning outcomes in all points of action in this problem. This particular training focuses on the Consumer of Fast Fashion and what the Consumer can do. Of course, systemic solutions and advocacy efforts are also needed and other learning opportunities may focus on that.