Fast fashion is one of the fastest-growing environmental pressures in Europe and beyond. Fueled by social media hauls, the constant opening of new fast fashion stores, and a lack of sustainable fashion education, young people are increasingly drawn into a cycle of overconsumption. The numbers speak for themselves: every year, 5.8 million tonnes of textiles are discarded in the EU, roughly 11.3 kg per person, and textile consumption ranks among the top three pressures on water and land use.
Wear the Change is our response to this challenge. Born from an idea shared by participants during a youth exchange held in Romania last summer, the project brings together 40 young people aged 18 to 25 from Romania, Greece, Georgia, Portugal, and Hungary. Together with five partner organisations and the support of volunteers from each community, we set out to promote "slow," sustainable fashion and to build communities oriented towards responsible shopping and environmental protection.
Our goal is to increase competences in sustainable fashion practices among all participants. Through hands-on creative workshops, young people develop practical skills in mending, sewing, and upcycling, transforming clothes they already own instead of buying new.
The exchange also nurtures a circular mindset, encouraging clothing swaps and second-hand platforms to reduce each participant's environmental footprint. Just as importantly, it strengthens critical thinking around digital fashion influence, helping youngsters recognise greenwashing and resist the social pressure of online fast fashion campaigns.
The youth exchange will take place from 9 to 19 September in Bagaciu, Romania. Complete information will be despayed on this page no later than 30th of June. Stay tunned!!