CAS Learning Outcomes:
3: Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience
4: Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences
5: Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively
6: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance
The United Wardrobe Project is an initiative aimed at promoting sustainability through clothing donations. By setting up a donation box at school, we encouraged students to give their unwanted clothes a second life instead of discarding them. This initiative aligns with the principles of the circular economy and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by reducing waste and promoting resourcefulness. I collaborated with the BPS Economist Club to bring this project to my school.
At first, I was unsure how students would respond, but as donations started coming in, I felt a strong sense of accomplishment. Seeing people contribute to the project and embrace the idea of reusing and sharing clothes made me realize the impact that small actions can have. This experience helped me develop my leadership and problem-solving skills, as I had to think of effective ways to spread awareness and encourage participation.
One of the biggest challenges was ensuring that students understood the importance of donating and felt motivated to take action. To overcome this, I worked closely with my club to promote the project through posters, announcements, and direct conversations with students. This required persistence and creativity, and I learned the importance of clear communication and teamwork.
Through this initiative, I also deepened my understanding of global issues, particularly the environmental and social consequences of fast fashion. This project made me more conscious of my actions and motivated me to continue finding ways to contribute to a more sustainable future.