Walk-In Closet 21-22

The clothing and textile industry is one of the largest polluters in the world. The fashion industry contributes to roughly 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In 2019, 208 million pounds of waste came from single-use outfits bought from stores like Forever 21 and Shein. 

To help combat this, we decided to open the "Walk In Closet" on campus as a permanent space to give and take clothing. Using advertising both online and on campus, we gathered hundreds of clothing items from students and staff members. The closet is open weekly during lunch and we have a line out the door the entire time! We are inviting all grades and genders, providing casual, formal, and interview wear. We also share statistics about fast fashion, educating our peers about brands that are kinder to the environment. 

Why is this so important to HER'D at Larchmont? We are a Title 1 school, with many of our students on free and reduced lunch. Our closet is a space that is accessible to everyone, regardless of income level. It puts everyone on an even playing field, and everyone enjoys themselves without feeling judged. Additionally, we are an environmentally conscious school and are trying to do our part to keep our planet green. 64% of clothing bought every year ends up in landfills, and 1 in 2 people throw unwanted clothing in the trash.