Second day of ReWear: Revive Fashion, Reduce Waste
- youthambassadorsmln
- Mar 5
- 2 min read
The new day began with a dynamic debate on the Fast Fashion Dilemma. Participants were divided into two groups: defenders and critics.
Below are some of the arguments shared during the discussion:
Defenders:
• Fast fashion items can be reused.
• Around 75% of workers in this sector are women, and the industry significantly boosts the economy, especially in the Global South.
• Fast fashion makes clothing affordable and accessible.
• Many brands are transparent about the materials they use.
• It encourages creativity and allows people to experiment with different styles.
• Some fast fashion companies now offer repair services and accept old clothes to turn them into new products.
• Recycling efforts help reduce carbon emissions.
• Fast fashion pollutes, but only on a “small scale” compared to bigger industries.
• Consumer demand drives the industry, so production continues to grow.
• Technology is increasingly integrated into fast fashion.
• Fast fashion “democratizes” clothing by making it global and accessible.
• It also produces essential medical materials, such as cotton bandages for burn victims.
• It offers a wide range of sizes, which sustainable brands often struggle to provide.
Critics:
• Fast fashion brands often rely on greenwashing—practices that appear sustainable but are not.
• They knowingly produce items meant to be used only 1–2 times, such as Halloween costumes or short-lived trendy pieces.
• Many brands burn returned online orders instead of reusing or recycling them.
• People should develop a personal style rather than being influenced by social media and the endless variety of fast fashion options.
• Fast fashion is acceptable only when items are used long-term, made from high-quality materials, and biodegradable.
• Solutions include being self-aware, recycling properly, and using clothing throughout its full lifespan.
• Thrifting is beneficial because even if you don’t wear the purchased item, you can repurpose it into something new.
After the debate, participants had lunch, followed by an energizer session to refresh their minds and boost their energy. They played different outdoor games before moving on to the next activity.
Next, participants took part in a theatre-based role-playing exercise. They were asked to creatively present different situations showing how fast fashion affects producers, consumers, and the environment. Many groups blended several scenarios together and delivered impressive performances.
Another activity combined cultural exchange with fashion. Each national team drew their traditional garments, showcasing the uniqueness of their culture and how traditional clothing developed over time to protect and serve people in different climates.
In the evening, we enjoyed the cultural nights of France and Lithuania. Participants learned traditional dances, tasted cultural dishes, and discovered fun facts about French and Lithuanian culture.
This project is funded by the European Commission, and the European Commission is not responsible for its results.
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