Sustainable Fashion: Eco Exhibit
Lacey Jo Braun
Redefining, Redesigning Fashion: Designs for Sustainability is the current exhibit on display in the Goldstein Museum of Design gallery in McNeal Hall of the University of Minnesota St. Paul Campus. This exhibit features fashion designs from students and professionals that have a strong emphasis on sustainability.
Never before has fashion been so disposable. This places a heavy burden on the industry to quickly adapt and evolve with little thought to environmental consequences. Consumers want fast fashion and they want more next season.
The focus of the exhibit was to start a discussion about the clothing industry and its impact on our environment. How can design play a role in lessening the impact of this industry movement?
There were over 200 submissions for this exhibit from designers across the global. This many submissions equates to a carefully curated selection that exemplifies the cutting edge of sustainable fashion. The garments each tell an individual story, as well as the overarching collective narrative. The collection of garments include digitally printed fabrics, a wedding gown constructed from old table linens, a dress of wood chips, and re-purposed Goodwill finds.
Each piece fits in one or more of the five themes designated for this exhibit: Alternative Construction & Technique, Re-purposed Materials, Valuing Resources, Emotional Connections, and Versatility.
Whether you are an aspiring designer, fashion enthusiast, sustainability advocate, or just a curious observer you will enjoy this collection of one of a kind pieces.
View the entire collection online or stop by the gallery before May 26.
This post is the first in a series about sustainable fashion. Check back throughout the summer a continued exploration into the fashion industry, how to be a wise consumer, and conversations with leaders on the topic.
Year in Review
Lacey Jo Braun
It is that time of year when things start to wind down. After the crescendo of final papers, projects, and tests it is nice to look back on the year and see how far you have come.
This was an exciting year of Sustainability Education. Sustainability Education hosted and participated in several events throughout the year. The highlights reel includes SELF Sustain, Food Day, a visit from Bill McKibben, our Commons gallery opening, the 2013 Sustainability Film Series, the 2013 Sustainability Symposium, and Jelly Before the Jam.
Sustainability Education and IonE sponsored a student organization called Students for Sustainability. If you are interested in joining the group see the Facebook group.
Another exciting project Sustainability Education worked on was an undergraduate course taught by the Institute on the Environment’s Director, Jon Foley.
Our team gained four new members: Madeline Giefer, Sima Sajjadiani, Lacey Jo Braun, and Alireza Asary. We also will be saying good-bye to a two year veteran of the team, Kiley Bastain, who graduated this spring with a degree in Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management.
Make sure to stay in the loop this summer by following us on Twitter, liking us on Facebook, and signing up for our newsletter.
Student Opportunity for Richfield Greenstep Cities
Richfield Greenstep Cities is looking for a summer intern who would be responsible for gathering departmental data and inputting information into the Minnesota Greenstep Cities website. There is a possibility of monetary compensation. This is a great way to get involved in local sustainability with a big, successful program. Please consider applying!
For more information or to apply contact
Jim Topitzhofer, GreenStep Cities Coordinator, Recreation Services
Director & CSC Staff Liaison 612-861-9394
JTopitzhofer@cityofrichfield.
Internships with the Women’s Environmental Institute
- Nonprofit Administration and Development
- Events and Program Coordination
- Marketing and Sales
Applications are due May 31. All positions are unpaid and require 10 to 20 hours per week. For more details about these positions and the application process, see WEI’s announcement.
Applications for Campus Sustainability Committees due May 28
Students interested in helping the University of Minnesota move forward in sustainability next year should apply to be on the Twin Cities and/or Systemwide Sustainability Committee. These committees allow students from a wide range of backgrounds and interests to work on projects involving stormwater and grounds management, transportation, food, energy, communications, and other areas.
The Twin Cities committee focuses on operational, teaching and research objectives and is a great place for students interested in operational programs and implementation. Meanwhile the Systemwide committee is a better fit for students interested in planning, governance, and policy. Members of the Systemwide committee find ways to make connections across all University of Minnesota campuses and consolidate annual campus reports into an annual sustainability report for the President and Regents.
The Twin Cities committee requires approximately two to three hours per month while the Systemwide Committee requires two to four hours each quarter. Becoming active on a task team will increase these expectations. Accepted students commit to one to two years of service.
To apply, email the following to Amy Short, Sustainability Director (short038@umn.edu) before Tuesday, May 28:
1. Your name, major, minor, focus and planned graduation date (You must be a U of M student.)
2. A brief paragraph describing your interests
3. Indicate which committee(s) you are interested in
4. Attach a resume if available (not required)
