Year 10 students at Marian College, Kenthurst, on the outskirts of Sydney, explored cotton production and sustainable fashion during their SPARK week of activities.

The 1-hour rotating sessions first outlined the 101 of cotton production and then turned to sustainability in the wardrobe. Cotton Australia’s Education Manager, Jenny Hughes, led the session. As high consumers of fast fashion, many students were surprised to learn the origin of synthetic garments. While they understood the benefits of quick-dry, wrinkle-free, and often inexpensive clothing, they were shocked to learn these items are not compostable at the end of their life. Students then brainstormed how they could take a more environmental approach to their wardrobes, investigating recycling, reusing, repurposing, and repairing existing clothes, and discussed becoming more conscious consumers of textiles.