The workshop brought together 17 students from grades 7 to 10 and combined environmental education with creative, hands-on learning experiences. Guided by Catherina Rust from the Regional Environmental Education Centre Reinhausen (RUZ), participants investigated the environmental consequences of textile production and consumption while developing practical skills in repairing, redesigning, and reusing clothing and fabrics.
The programme began with an exploration of fast fashion and consumer behaviour. Students reflected on their own clothing consumption and learned about the environmental impacts of textile production, including resource use, water consumption, energy demand, and pollution. Through discussions and educational materials, participants gained a deeper understanding of the global challenges linked to the fashion industry.
In a second step, students examined the production processes of different textile materials, including cotton, polyester, and wool. Working in teams, they researched the origins, characteristics, and environmental implications of various fibres and presented their findings to their peers. This activity highlighted the complexity of textile supply chains and the importance of informed consumer choices.
The practical part of the workshop focused on creative upcycling. Participants brought old clothes and textile materials and explored ways of giving them a second life. After creating cushions from old T-shirts as an introductory activity, students developed their own projects using techniques such as sewing, embroidery, knitting, repairing, and redesigning. Working individually and collaboratively, they transformed discarded textiles into useful and decorative new products, including bags made from old jeans, repaired garments, and individually designed textile creations.
A particularly impactful part of the workshop was a documentary about textile waste in Ghana, one of the world's largest importers of second-hand clothing. The film illustrated how the overproduction of the global fast fashion industry contributes to growing environmental and social challenges in many parts of the world. Students discussed these issues and explored practical solutions based on the principles of the 6Rs: Refuse, Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, and Recycle.
The workshop concluded with a public exhibition at Otto-Hahn-Gymnasium Göttingen during the official closing event of the school project days. Students proudly presented their upcycled products to fellow students, teachers, and visitors while explaining the ideas behind their projects and discussing sustainable consumption and waste reduction.
Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Students particularly appreciated the combination of theory and practice, the opportunity to develop their own creative ideas, and the chance to learn new practical skills. Many reported gaining a new perspective on discarded clothing and recognised that textiles can often be repaired, redesigned, or reused instead of being thrown away.
The Upcycling Workshop at Otto-Hahn-Gymnasium Göttingen successfully demonstrated that sustainability can be both practical and creative. By combining environmental education, craftsmanship, and hands-on problem-solving, the project empowered young people to become more conscious consumers and active contributors to a more resource-efficient and sustainable future.
