Sustainability Looks Good on You

Graduate | Sep 08, 2026 | Gabelli School of Business

In April 2026, the Responsible Business Center hosted its sixth Sustainable Clothing Exchange, bringing together members of the Fordham community for an engaging and impactful three-day event. Participants were invited to bring gently used clothing items to “swap” with others, promoting reuse and extending the life cycle of apparel. In return for their contributions, each participant received vouchers corresponding to the number of items they brought, which they could then use to shop for “new” articles of clothing.

The event was well received, with nearly 300 clothing items exchanged over the course of three days. According to event records, 95 tops, 66 bottoms (pants, leggings, jeans, etc.), 63 dresses, and 75 additional items were exchanged. Clothing that was not exchanged was donated to Housing Works, a New York City-based nonprofit organization that supports those experiencing homelessness, ensuring that no items went to waste.

Across the Responsible Business Center’s two Sustainable Clothing Exchanges held during the 2025–2026 academic year, a total of 576 clothing items were recirculated. By extending the useful life of these garments and encouraging reuse in place of new purchases, the exchanges are estimated to have displaced approximately 15,118 kilograms of carbon emissions associated with the production of new clothing.

The Sustainable Clothing Exchange was created three years ago by Dr. Kate Kennon as part of an effort to raise awareness about circular fashion and to promote sustainable business practices within the Gabelli School of Business.

“I was inspired by the ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ clothing campaign at Kelvin College in Glasgow, Scotland, which won the International Green Gown Awards (2024) for ‘Next Generation Learning & Skills’ with their ‘Fighting Fast Fashion’ initiative. I thought we could do something similar here and add our own unique Gala formalwear and graduation-gown lending library. Every time we hold this event, I am inspired by our students’ enthusiasm and their innovation in making this event even better every year.”

Since its inception, the Exchange has grown in both size and impact, reflecting increasing student interest in responsible consumption and circular fashion.

Fast fashion has become a driving force in the global apparel industry. While many consumers are drawn to the latest trends and low prices, the environmental and social costs of this model are significant. Events like the Sustainable Clothing Exchange encourage participants to rethink their consumption habits and consider how individual choices can contribute to a circular economy, one that prioritizes reuse, waste reduction, and the conservation of natural resources.

The environmental impact of the fashion industry is substantial. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, “approximately 92 million tons of textile waste are produced globally each year. Additionally, clothing and textiles account for 11% of plastic waste, while only 8% of textile fibers are made from recycled sources.” The Geneva Environment Network further reports that, “the fashion industry is the second-largest consumer of water worldwide and is responsible for 2–8% of global carbon emissions. Alarmingly, an estimated 85% of textiles end up in landfills each year and washing certain synthetic garments releases microplastics into oceans and waterways.”

By hosting initiatives such as the Sustainable Clothing Exchange, the Responsible Business Center aims to educate the Fordham community about these challenges while providing easy, practical ways to take action. Small steps such as swapping, donating, and choosing secondhand clothing can collectively make a difference.

The Responsible Business Center will host its next Clothing Exchange November 3-5, 2026.

Follow us on LinkedIn for event updates and additional information on how you can get involved in promoting sustainable and responsible business practices.

Written by: Cara Kuo, coordinator, Gabelli School of Business Responsible Business Center