Kelly Drennan of Fashion Takes Action on the importance of youth education that centers fashion's impact on people + the planet

<p class="" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">In episode 296, Kestrel welcomes Kelly Drennan, the founder of Fashion Takes Action, to the show. A Canada-based non-profit, <a href="https://fashiontakesaction.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fashion Takes Action</a> works to remove barriers to sustainability through education, awareness, research and collaboration.</p> <p><strong>“We often talk about our school program, and just fashion is inherently cool, you know. And so, we’re able to really, through our school program, touch on some of these bigger, broader climate change issues, but through the lens of fashion, which for kids is relatable and cool. They get up every day and they put on clothes, but they don’t get up every day and drive a vehicle or pay the energy bills or go grocery shopping. So, for us, it’s just a really great way to reach them and we try to do it in a way that’s cool.” -Kelly</strong></p> <p class="" data-pm-slice="1 2 []">Have you looked into educational programs around fashion and sustainability? Or maybe you have completed a program focused on sustainability or fashion and sustainability?</p> <p class="">The options out there are definitely growing in the higher education realm, but I think there is still a lot of work to do when it comes to ensuring the curriculum becomes more holistic and includes the root issues that have led to why we are where we are today.</p> <p class="">But we are seeing changes at the higher education level, which is important. At the same time, what about kids? What about our youth? </p> <p class="">When are they getting exposure to questions like: </p> <ul data-rte-list="default"> <li> <p class="">Who made my clothes?</p> </li> <li> <p class="">What are my clothes made out of?</p> </li> <li> <p class="">What does a fashion supply chain look like?</p> </li> </ul> <p class="">I hear whispers from folks in my community that little projects connected to fashion and sustainability are sneaking their way into elementary and high school education through educators who care a