Students from the UEHS Amnesty International Club recently presented to the League of Women Voters on Fast Fashion and Sustainability. Their presentation shed light on how the fashion industry impacts human rights, the environment, and cultural representation.
The Amnesty International Club is a student-led group that focuses on global and local human rights issues. Members engage in research, advocacy, and public awareness campaigns to 
promote justice, equality, and sustainability. This presentation was part of their ongoing commitment to educating the community about issues that often go unnoticed.
Melanie Scalcione, Malia Yarde, Rihyanna Powell, Maddie Housel, Grace Judge, Anna Lazaros, and Maria Denardis focused on Fast Fashion—a business model where clothing is produced quickly and inexpensively to keep up with the latest trends. While this makes trendy clothing more accessible and affordable, it comes at a high cost. The fast fashion industry often relies on exploitative labor practices, underpays workers in developing countries, and 
contributes significantly to environmental harm, including textile waste, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.
They also addressed the cultural limitations of fast fashion, pointing out that mainstream trends often exclude styles inspired by non-Western cultures.
As part of their message, the students encouraged sustainable alternatives, such as:
• Shopping at thrift stores or vintage shops
• Organizing clothing swaps with friends or community groups
• Supporting brands that prioritize ethical labor practices and cultural inclusivity
• Avoiding companies with a record of environmental damage or worker exploitation
The presentation was informative, thoughtful, and action-oriented, showing the students' commitment not only to fashion but to fairness, ethics, and the planet’s future.
Thank you to