Did you know that 20% of wastewater pollution originates from the fashion industry? According to the World Bank, fashion industries use about 93 billion cubic meters of water, and that 20% of wastewater comes from fabric dye and treatment. Chemicals raise a lot of environmental and health concerns for industry workers, forcing us to rethink fast fashion by advocating for more sustainable practices. 

Mikki Taylor, professor at Howard University, instructs in the Fashion Design Program at the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts. She uses her love of design to emphasize environmental responsibility through eco-fashion.

Taylor has developed numerous projects that have increased student engagement such as the Washington Wizards Project, in which she taught students about designing digital pieces and upcycling by creating garments using old Wizards jerseys. Although she understands that everyone wants to have the designer look for less, Taylor encourages thrift shopping instead. “With fast fashion, the cost outweighs the benefits. You aren’t looking at the massive water consumption, toxic dyes being used that are deposited in our soil, or the workforce and the electricity being used,” Taylor said.

Not only has she created digital fashion shows during the COVID-19 pandemic, but she has also created fashionable designs that have been displayed on red carpets at big events such as the BET Awards, and Black Girls Rock, an award show that honors and promotes Black women’s achievements.

Listen to my full conversation with Mikki Taylor above!