Fashion and Sustainability
The Reality of Sustainable Fashion
The Ask.
The project was to write a 3,500 word researched-based argument essay, presenting a clear claim supported by evidence. The essay should be designed for an intelligent but non-expert audience and must address counterarguments.
Skills.
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Research Skills
Finding, assessing, and integrating credible sources, including peer-reviewed scholarly articles
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Critical Thinking
Analyzing research, forming an arguable claim, and addressing counter arguments logically
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Persuasive Writing
Effectively communicating my argument, considering supporting and opposing viewpoints
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Addressing Counter Arguments
Anticipating and responding to opposing viewpoints in a thoughtful, respectful manner
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Synthesis of Ideas
Connecting various strands of research including waste, ethics, greenwashing, and global impact into a cohesive argument
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Revising and Editing
Refining my argument, improving clarity, correcting grammar, and strengthening flow through multiple drafts
The Process.
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I first needed to formulate an inquiry question. I wanted to use something that I was super passionate about and also something I wanted to learn more about. I choose the question “is there such a thing as sustainable fashion?” I then conducted extensive research and gathered eight credible sources, including three peer-reviewed scholarly articles. I organized all of my sources and took notes on all of them to get my thoughts and research together. Next comes drafting.
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I developed a clear thesis statement, outlined my argument, and wrote a structured draft that included claims, evidence, and counterarguments. I pulled information from all of my sources to help me backup my arguments and points. I organized my draft into different topics I found through my research and split those up into different paragraphs. After writing my first draft, I took some time away from it before coming back for revision.
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I reread my essay and made note of the things I wanted to change and edit. I also looked at feedback from my peers and feedback from my professor. I took notes of all of my feedback and got to work on finalizing my paper. Through this process, I was able to strengthen my argument, clarify my ideas, and ensure proper citation formatting.
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I created a brief multimodal presentation where I discuss what happens to our clothing after being donated. For this, I made a short slide deck with relating images. I created a script for what I wanted to say. Then I took multiple videos of me presenting my paper with the slide deck in the background. After a few attempts, I got a good video for submission.
“Any new production of clothing is not sustainable”
Quotes from my Essay
“We as consumers have a moral responsibility to value and respect human rights and the environment. Start making changes in your life to improve our world today.”
“Countries like America are only shipping off their problem of overproduction to less developed countries for them to deal with in the name of donations and charity.”
“No consumer is going to be perfect in their consumption, however, it is very important for those who have the privilege of buying and shopping sustainably to do so.”
“If someone is only working in a sweatshop because they lack other acceptable alternatives, then their decision is not voluntary.”
“Throughout the nation, over four million tons of post-consumer waste enters the waste stream every year".”
“When we donate clothing, we cannot be certain as to where it is going to end up.”
The Outcome.
What I learned
From this process, I have learned how to construct a well-organized argument essay by developing a clear thesis, supporting it with evidence, and addressing counter arguments. Through this essay, I’ve deepened my understanding of the complexities of sustainable fashion and how it is out of reach for our society.