Tackling Fashion Waste: Youth Workers Join Forces in Cambodia
The fashion industry is known for its glamour and trend-setting, but it’s also among the biggest contributors to waste on our planet. The overconsumption of clothes and textiles has led to environmental and social issues, including pollution, resource depletion, and exploitation of workers. To address this problem, a training course was organized in Cambodia from 4-12 October 2022, bringing together youth workers from Lithuania, Sweden, Cambodia, and Indonesia.
The training course aimed to raise awareness about the fashion industry’s impact on waste, highlight sustainable practices, and empower youth to take action.The training course program was designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the fashion industry’s impact on waste and the steps that can be taken to address it. The program consisted of three main components: learning about the fashion industry in Cambodia and its contribution to the waste problem, showcasing positive examples of sustainable fashion practices, and empowering youth to take action.During the training course, participants delved into the fashion industry in Cambodia, learning about the various stages of the fashion supply chain and the environmental and social impacts associated with each stage. They gained insights into the challenges and opportunities for promoting sustainability in the fashion industry in Cambodia, including issues related to production, distribution, consumption, and disposal of fashion items.
In addition to understanding the challenges, participants were also exposed to positive examples of sustainable fashion practices. One such example was a local sustainable fashion company that makes textiles from lotus, a plant that is abundant in Cambodia. Participants had the opportunity to visit the company’s production facility, witnessing the hand-weaving and natural dyeing techniques involved in lotus textile production. This example served as an inspiration, showcasing how sustainable fashion practices can contribute to reducing waste and supporting local livelihoods.Empowering youth to take action was a key focus of the training course. Participants learned about what they can do individually and collectively to address the issue of fashion waste. They discussed strategies for promoting sustainable consumption habits, such as buying second-hand clothes, repairing and upcycling clothes, and reducing clothing waste. Recognizing the power of social media, particularly TikTok, as a tool for raising awareness, participants created viral TikTok videos that encouraged making second-hand clothes the primary choice and shared them on social media platforms.The training course brought together 24 youth workers from different countries and backgrounds, including those working in NGOs, youth organizations, and educational institutions. The participants were enthusiastic and committed to addressing the fashion industry’s impact on waste. Through interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and site visits, participants were able to deepen their understanding of the issue and gain practical skills to take action in their respective communities.
In conclusion, the training course in Cambodia was a valuable opportunity for youth workers to come together, learn, and take action on the issue of fashion waste. By understanding the fashion industry’s impact on waste, showcasing positive examples of sustainable fashion practices, and empowering youth to take action, the training course aimed to raise awareness and inspire change. The participants left the training course equipped with knowledge, skills, and motivation to promote sustainable fashion practices in their home countries and communities. As youth workers, they are poised to be change-makers, leading the way towards a more sustainable fashion industry and a better future for our planet.
