Sustainable fashion: an analysis from the perspective of teaching good sustainability practices and circular economy

Abstract

Good practices in sustainability and circular economy are recurrently addressed in society since there is a transition in consumption behavior of a portion of the population, which aims to purchase eco-friendly products. This study analyzes how face-to-face fashion design undergraduate programs in Brazil are including premises of sustainability and circular economy. The theoretical framework is based on sustainable fashion and circular economy. The work consists of a survey with a qualitative and quantitative approach. Questionnaires were applied to coordinators, professors, and students of fashion design undergraduate programs. The results showed that good sustainability and circular economy practices are taught in fashion design programs. This teaching encourages students to adhere to good practices in sustainability, biodegradability, and ethical clothing manufacturing. There is evidence that the form of teaching adopted by the educational institution contributes to preparingqualified people to work in innovative markets and with different niches. Therefore, the undergraduate programs are aligned with the teaching of practices and provide knowledge so that professionals can disseminate good sustainable fashion practices. This study contributes by subsidizing coordinators of undergraduate programs so they can structure educational plans and include specific disciplines that emphasize contemporary and emerging circular economy and sustainability practices.

Keywords:
Sustainability; Circular economy; Fashion design.