Gabelli Graduate Students Participate in Circular Fashion Exchange sponsored by the Responsible Business Center and the Student Success Center
| Apr 12, 2024 | Gabelli School of Business
What are you wearing today and where did you buy it? Most of us shop based on style, price, and the latest trends. When we check out at the store or online, it’s easy to overlook the intricate global system of fibers, materials, and skilled workers that are behind our purchasing decision.
Last fall, the Responsible Business Center and the Student Success Center introduced a clothing exchange as part of its mission to help Gabelli School business students take part in and understand circular fashion, an important aspect of sustainability and engagement. In its simplest form, a clothing exchange is a gathering of people who swap clothing they no longer wear for something from someone else’s wardrobe. The Gabelli clothing exchange provides career clothing for that all important internship and outerwear for students who may not be acquainted with NYC’s four distinct seasons. We received over 300 gently used donations from both students, faculty members, and staff, encompassing not only clothes but also accessories, shoes, and a wide variety of styles, from formal to sporty. Gabelli students were thrilled to browse through items to add to their wardrobe.
Veronica Isabel Tapia Morales, Gabelli School M.S. in Business Analytics student and event volunteer said, “The students who participated in the exchange were delighted to find formal clothing, including dresses, suits, and pants. This attire allowed them to attend interviews and other work-related commitments. Overall, the sentiment was one of joy, as what might no longer be useful to one person became a treasure for another. I believe this program has significant benefits. It contributes to circular fashion, giving a second life to garments that might otherwise go to waste and by reducing textile waste, we also contribute to environmental impact reduction. It’s a valuable opportunity for everyone involved!”
According to Earth.org, approximately 85% of unwanted clothing ends up in landfills and is not part of textile recycling. To “exchange” clothing, rather than discard it, allows the garment to become part of a circular economy, further extending the lifespan of the item and diverting waste from landfill. Currently, the textile and garment industry accounts for approximately 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. By extending clothing lifespan through exchanges, we aim to reduce the need for new garment manufacturing, reducing polluting emissions. Participating in clothing exchanges also helps alleviate pressure on water resources, a critical piece as the fashion industry contributes to 20% of global wastewater.
Based upon the success of last year’s event, we are thrilled to announce our clothing exchange will occur once again from April 15 – 17 from 4 – 7 p.m. in Room 140 at 140 West 62nd Street. In return for the clothing donation, you will receive a voucher that will allow you to shop in our exchange room.
Going to the Gala on May 3? Come borrow a formal dress from our new Formal Wear Lending Library.
Contact Dean Kennon at kkennon@fordham.edu for more info.
Happy Circular Shopping!
Written by: Kate Kennon, Ed.D., advising dean of the Gabelli School of Business Responsible Business Center and Cara Kuo, coordinator of Responsible Business Center.
