News
Tech’s Wings Up-Cycled initiative promotes sustainability with free clothing
Erika Phillips, a senior design studies major at Tech, is pictured at the Wings Up-Cycled
store.
Tennessee Tech University puts sustainability into practice with the Wings Up-Cycled
store on campus. The store is an initiative of Tech’s Office of Sustainability, which
focuses on educating students on simple ways for them to apply eco-friendly practices
in their lives.
Fueled by donations, the store works something like a food pantry. People bring in
gently used clothing, small pieces of furniture, accessories or home supplies. Tech
students are encouraged to come and “shop” the assortment for free. Organizers want
the store to be an accessible resource for students who may need clothing or who just
want to mix up their wardrobe, but may not have the finances to do so.
The Office of Sustainability says it launched the project because the fashion industry
is a major contributor to landfills worldwide and clothes are something used by all
Tech students.
“Our goal is to help meet student needs and get them to think in a more eco-conscious
way," said Erika Phillips, a senior design studies major who recently performed student
work with the Office of Sustainability.
“Roughly 92 million tons of garments end up in landfills every year,” Phillips added,
noting that the garments "then take over 200 years to decompose.”
According to fashion industry statistics found on the Wings Up-Cycled website, 20
percent of global wastewater comes from textile dyeing and fast fashion produces half
a million tons of microplastics each year. It takes 715 gallons of water to produce
one cotton t-shirt; nearly 70 million barrels of oil are used to make polyester fiber
each year and the fashion industry is responsible for eight percent of carbon emissions.
Recycling clothing by donating it, repurposing it or wearing used clothing has the
potential to cut down on much of this waste, according to Phillips.
“It is exciting to see someone’s face light up when they first learn about Wings Up-Cycled,”
Phillips said about the experience. “I am thrilled to be a part of something that
has a positive impact on student’s lives and the environment!”
Phillips said at this time the store could use more household supplies. Winter coats
are also a good staple to have on hand, she added.
Donations can be brought to room 201 in the University Service Building anytime from
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, and students can shop the store during the same hours
in room 208 of the University Services Building on Tech’s Campus.
For more information about Tech's Wings Up-Cycled initiative visit https://www.tntech.edu/sustainability/20210921-wings-up-cycled.php.
