Across the country, there has been a dramatic increase in the popularity of thrifting. Some post videos of their thrifting finds, posing with their newly upcycled pieces. Others take trips with their friends to the Goodwill bins in search of the elusive Carhartt jacket. At LOHS, a similar movement has emerged. 

The Patchwork Project is a new club at LOHS this year that centers around sustainable fashion. As such, their first step is thrift trips for the whole club. Then, after school, members also upcycle and sew their finds into new pieces of clothing. Finally, they list their items on Depop for people to purchase secondhand, and they donate the proceeds to Drip by Drip, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating people about water waste in the textile industry and actively working to decrease water usage. 

Kalea Chow, who started the Patchwork Project, has long been interested in fashion. She is an avid thrifter and enjoys styling and creating new pieces from what she finds. The Patchwork Project is her way to share that joy with other people in the school community. Chow explained, “I thought it would be so fun to teach others how to upcycle and resell — especially when the profits are going to charity.” 

The Patchwork Project not only affects LOHS students but also contributes toward awareness and solutions to global issues. Textile waste is a major contributor to pollution and climate change — both of which impact quality of life for everyone. Chow elaborated, “There is enough clothing on earth to dress the next eight generations, so it’s crucial to educate students on the harms of overconsumption.”

Anyone, whether or not they have experience thrifting or upcycling, is welcome to join the Patchwork Project, and since buying secondhand clothing is both environmentally and financially friendly, it’s a great opportunity to take care of the environment while also looking after your wallet!