What are Some Possible Solutions to Reduce Waste Streams From School Uniforms in Hong Kong?

Abstract:

Uniforms are a vital component of connections within a school community. As schools continuously modernize and update their uniforms, the demand for new clothing items increases. Globally, the fashion industry contributes 8-10% of global carbon dioxide emissions yearly(Niinimäki, K (2020)), a result of using unsustainable materials, pollution from supply chains, and wasteful consumption habits. In today’s society, we often buy more clothing than we need and in turn dispose of garments without considering the end life of a garment in Hong Kong, as a densely populated city produces much waste and requires alternative solutions for the population’s waste reduction and consumption habits. Within the ISF community, ineffective and unclear measures with what to do when disposing of clothing, leading to an extensive amount of garments in landfills.

This project will consider where ISF uniforms end up at the end of an item of clothing life, which waste streams they impact, and the current disposal methods used. Different forms of research including creating an inventory of the school uniform, undertaking questionnaires, and interviews will be conducted throughout the data collection process involving parties such as KLOVER (ISF Uniform Supplier) and the ISF PTA who organize the second-hand uniform sale.

In order to reduce clothing going into waste streams, alternative waste disposal options and management practices for ISF uniforms will be explored. I hope that my project can create a positive impact that will allow the school to reduce uniform waste and raise awareness both economically and environmentally for the ISF Academy community to be more sustainable consumers.