Upcycling Jeans

Goal 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production

Discover the environmental impact of denim and transform an old pair of jeans into something new and original

What is this challenge?

Globally, a staggering 4.5 billion pairs of jeans are sold every year. But producing denim using current techniques causes enormous environmental and social harm, often in developing countries. At the same time, here in the UK alone, a colossal 300,000 tonnes of clothing are discarded and end up in landfill every year. In this challenge, you will help tackle these problems, by taking an old pair of jeans that’s no longer worn, and transforming it into something new. To help inspire you, there’s video content from Siobhan McKenna, founder of sustainable fashion brand ReJean denim, and some video tutorials from current students at London College of Fashion. If you don’t have much experience of sewing, we’ve also included links to some tutorials to get you started.

When can I participate?

Open Now

What happens at the end?

You will receive a certificate of completion, and have the opportunity for your work to appear in an online gallery. A young person aged 16-18 who submits an outstanding piece of work will have the opportunity of work experience or mentoring with a leading Scottish sustainable fashion brand.

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