Stephen F. Austin State University students will again partner with Cotton Incorporated to collect denim for the Blue Jeans Go Green project this fall. Fashion merchandising students collected approximately 6,000 pieces of denim last fall and hope to collect more than 10,000 pieces this semester.
This recycle program encourages people to donate denim to be “upcycled” into UltraTouch denim insulation. Jamie Cupit, fashion merchandising instructor in SFA’s School of Human Sciences, is helping coordinate the project on campus.
“Participating in Blue Jeans Go Green for the third year in a row is really exciting for me and the students. We have enjoyed working closely with Cotton Inc. and appreciate their staff members’ willingness to showcase the denim collection efforts of our students on campus and in the community,” Cupit said.
SFA fashion merchandising students enrolled in a fashion promotion course and the Fashion Merchandising Club will plan and execute the denim drive on campus. A table will be set up from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 20 and Oct. 4 in front of the Baker Pattillo Student Center for students and faculty and staff members to donate denim.
In fall 2015, SFA fashion merchandising students collected approximately 6,000 pieces of denim during their second year of participation, which surpassed the 1,800 pieces the students collected during their first year. Cupit said it is their goal to collect more than 10,000 pieces of denim this fall.
SFA has partnered with Goodwill of East Texas during previous drives to collect denim for this effort, and Goodwill has donated thousands of pieces for the cause.
“Blue Jeans Go Green enhances students’ awareness of sustainability efforts and teaches them that denim can be transformed into another eco-friendly product after its useful life as apparel has expired,” Cupit said.
A highlight of the denim drive is the “Green is the New Black” recycled fashion show and gallery exhibit scheduled for Oct. 12. Fashion- and event-planning students are working on this event with Cupit and Dr. Gina Causin, assistant professor in the School of Human Sciences.
