Stitching a Greener Future is a collaborative project exploring the fashion industry’s environmental impact and sustainable solutions. The clothing industry is a major contributor to pollution, carbon emissions, and waste. Through hands-on workshops, discussions, and community partnerships, students will examine the global consequences of fast fashion and explore eco-friendly alternatives. Participants will create activities like clothing swaps, upcycling workshops, and an “Eco-Chic” fashion show, showcasing practical ways to reduce textile waste and make informed consumer choices. The project also includes collaborations with local sustainable fashion initiatives and digital media advocacy to raise awareness about ethical fashion. By combining research with real-world action, this initiative empowers students to rethink their relationship with clothing, embrace sustainable practices, and advocate for change.
Amanda Cardwell-Aiken has an MFA in Costume Design and Technology from Utah State University. As a costume designer, Amanda focuses on clothing reuse and the use of sustainable fabric practices. The goals of "Stitching a Greener Future" are to raise student awareness on the ecological impacts of globalized fashion and the waste that fast fashion creates, as well as empowering students to alter and mend their own clothes.
Year: Sophomore
Major/minor: Music
Hometown: Portland, OR
Why PRF: The environment and the arts are two of my biggest passions. I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in a project that combines both. I firmly believe artists are crucial in the fight for climate justice, and I'm excited to use this project as a platform to present what's possible.
Year: Senior
Major/Minor: Environmental Science
Hometown: Thousand Oaks, CA
Why PRF: I am excited to work on this project as someone with much love for the environment. This is a great opportunity to do research on the environmental impact of the clothing industry and then share that knowledge with my community. I am interested to see where this research takes me and to work with my faculty and peer fellows.
University of Portland
5000 N. Willamette Blvd.,
Portland, Oregon 97203-5798
503.943.8000
