DelaWEAR: An interdisciplinary team’s discovery learning approach to reducing post-consumer textile waste through experiential retail

Abstract

DelaWEAR explores a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to sustainable fashion by leveraging community partnerships and educational initiatives. In collaboration with Goodwill, discarded textiles are repurposed and sold in an on-campus fabric store at the University of Delaware, marking the first phase, “Collection and Re-Distribution.” The second phase, “Educational Initiatives,” focuses on consumer education through events like Sip and Sew workshops and children’s summer camps, teaching practical skills for clothing repair and upcycling. The final phase, “Merchandise Collection,” involves repurposing textiles into University of Delaware merchandise designed by students, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and experiential learning. As a self-sustaining model, the initiative integrates learning into its framework, providing students with hands-on opportunities while addressing critical gaps in consumer education about sustainable fashion. With support from a $50,000 university grant, future efforts will focus on scaling the business model, including real estate acquisition, product development, and curriculum integration, to create long-term impact in sustainability education.