“Fashion shouldn’t cost the Earth.”
With that belief, the Sustainable Fashion Club, founded in 2023 by alumni Jesse Dean and Ainsley Smith, meets every second Thursday of the month in English teacher Kindra Molin’s room to encourage eco-friendly clothing choices and raise awareness about fast fashion’s environmental impact. This year, the club is led by junior president Amelia Kozlowski and new junior assistant Vera Bell.
The club’s focus is to help students creatively express themselves while learning about eco-friendly clothing, as many fast fashion brands engage in greenwashing, promoting “eco-friendly” lines without making real changes.
Kozlowski expressed her thoughts on the role of fashion in sustainability, saying, “Sustainable fashion is a form of self-expression in sustainable ways and caring for the environment.”
Bell said her main goal is to expand membership and make sustainability more accessible to students. She emphasized the importance of educating peers on the dangers of fast fashion, noting that many students do not realize the industry’s impact on pollution, waste and labor conditions. The dyeing and treatment of textiles alone contributes to nearly 20 percent of global industrial water pollution.
“A lot of people misunderstand or they’re just not aware of ways that they can [be sustainable],” Bell said.
Club advisor Molin praised the group’s growth since its founding, noting how outside partnerships have strengthened the club’s impact.
“Last year, Sustainable Stillwater contacted us and has been working with us, […] they did a fashion show last year that some of our members modeled in,” Molin said, referring to the local nonprofit that shares the club’s mission of combating climate change through sustainable practices. She said the collaboration has given students more resources and opportunities to connect with the broader community.
Molin also highlighted the enthusiasm of members, with attendance reaching 30 to 40 students per meeting. She said the steady growth reflects students’ increasing interest in both fashion and sustainability, proving the club’s message is resonating.
“It’s been a journey […] but kids are enthusiastic and they show up and it’s great,” she added.
The Sustainable Fashion Club continues to empower students to explore their personal style while protecting the planet. Under Kozlowski’s leadership and with support from Bell and Molin, the club is focusing on growth, education and community connections to fight the harms of fast fashion. By learning mindful choices and engaging with local sustainability efforts, members hope to create lasting positive change. The next meeting will be held Nov. 13 in room D132, and new members are encouraged to join.
