Major
Biological Sciences
Advisor
Roberts, Allison
Advisor Department
Biological Sciences
Date
5-2025
Keywords
Fashion; Textiles; Waste; Landfills; Sustainability
Abstract
Repair Through Recycling is an instructional website I developed to encourage people to mend their garments rather than throw them away.I see this as a way to help address the growing issue of textile waste, where millions of garments are discarded each year. Many of these are made from synthetic materials that do not break down, contributing significantly to environmental pollution. This project features step-by-step instructional videos I created to teach the basics of mending, skills that are no longer commonly taught. These tutorials cover foundational techniques such as threading a needle and hand-stitching torn seams. The website also includes information on the environmental impact of fast fashion, the history of mending, and resources for shopping sustainably. My goal was to create a guide that is accessible for beginners of all ages, while also providing context on why mending matters. I had the opportunity to present some of my research to students at East Providence High School and found that many were unfamiliar with basic sewing techniques and also unaware of the environmental consequences of fast fashion. Through this experience, I learned that a multimedia guide is an effective way to communicate both practical skills and important background information. By using a website format, the guide can be easily shared, through tools like QR codes, and reach a much wider audience.
Media Format
embedly
Included in
Biology Commons, Fashion Design Commons, Fiber, Textile, and Weaving Arts Commons, Film Production Commons, Plant Sciences Commons