Over the last two decades, fast fashion has become one of the largest contributors to global pollution, with millions of garments ending up in landfills each year. Sustainable fashion has risen as both a creative and practical response that encourages consumers to rethink how they buy, wear and reuse clothing.
In recognition of Earth Day on April 22, organizations and student groups across NYU and the city are hosting events centered on ethical fashion, offering accessible ways for students to refresh their wardrobes and get involved.
Learn to create new clothes from old at the RePurpose ReNew ReWear workshop
April 18, noon-4 p.m. and April 19, noon-3 p.m.
155 Bank St.
Hosted in the West Village at Westbeth Artists Housing Community Room, this two-day workshop invites participants to explore sustainable fashion through a community-driven approach to upcycling. Attendees can contribute up to three garments from their own closets to a shared “Resource Rack” and collaboratively redesign pieces using another’s donated clothing. Through hands-on sewing, crafting and experimentation, attendees can learn practical skills such as garment repair, pattern alteration and reconstructing clothing from existing materials.
By emphasizing reuse, the seven-hour workshop encourages participants to transform their clothes into new designs they can take home that would otherwise end up in a landfill. Register for this free event here.
Discuss zero-waste with Weaving Hand at the Earth Day 2026 Festival
April 19, noon-6 p.m.
Union Square Park
The annual Earth Day Festival in Union Square, hosted by Earth Day Initiative — a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and sustainable action — brings together dozens of environmental nonprofits. This year, Brooklyn-based studio Weaving Hand will offer insight into textile history across cultures, unconventional materials that can reduce waste and our connection to clothing through community and healing practices. Participants can also directly engage with other sustainability-focused organizations such as the LES Ecology Center and Post-Landfill Action Network through information booths, live demonstrations and conversations centered on sustainable practices.
The festival also provides an open interactive space for attendees to ask questions, explore initiatives and learn practical ways to incorporate mindful habits into their daily lives. You can learn more and reserve your spot for free here.
Hear from Theory’s Sustainability Manager
April 20, 5-6 p.m.
Leslie E-Lab (on-campus)
Future Fashion Group — an NYU student organization focused on fashion sustainability — is hosting Matilda Newcomb, the brand Theory’s Sustainability Manager, to discuss how sustainability is implemented within large fashion brands. She will also speak about their “Theory for Good” initiative, launched to focus on sourcing clothing materials from environmentally friendly farms. As a contemporary fashion label known for its minimalist, business wear-inspired designs, Theory has increasingly focused on producing high-quality, long-lasting clothing that does not compromise environmental responsibility for profitability.
After Newcomb’s presentation about the company, she will then be open to answering questions from the audience. RSVP for this free event here.
Make your own custom piece at Tandon
April 21, 4-6 p.m.
Tandon MakerSpace (on-campus)
FFG is also partnering with the Tandon MakerSpace to host a hands-on workshop where students can learn upcycling, sewing and material repurposing. The MakerSpace — which previously hosted two sewing events with FFG — is a lab that provides students free access to prototyping tools, including 3D printers and laser cutters, to collaborate on design projects. At the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to construct their own items, such as scrunchies, pillowcases and tote bags, within two hours, with materials and guidance provided by the organizers.
The event offers an introduction to DIY fashion and offers attendees a chance to experiment with sustainable techniques. Sign up for this free event through NYU Engage here.
Dig your hands into eco-friendly fashion at a mending workshop
April 22, 5-7:30 p.m.
253 W. 35th St.
Attend Custom Collaborative’s mending workshop and discussion with its CEO, Ngozi Okaro, who founded the organization to create opportunities for low-income and immigrant women in the sustainable fashion industry. She will be joined by Kate Sekules, a mending educator who earned a master’s degree in costume studies at NYU, to teach how certain fashion practices can disrupt unsustainable patterns of consumption. In partnership with The Garment District Alliance and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the conversation will be followed by a mending workshop where attendees can gain hands-on experience repairing their clothes.
Participants will also have the chance to bring home a free mending kit to continue implementing these skills beyond the event. Purchase tickets on Eventbrite for $19 each.
Contact Rachael Khan at [email protected].