Grade 8 students’ awareness of fast fashion and responsible consumer mindset

Throughout the module, students explored the fast fashion model, the reasons consumers are drawn into endless shopping cycles, and the hidden costs paid by garment workers, the environment, and natural resources. From there, students were guided toward becoming responsible consumers—not through boycotts, but by learning to pause, weigh their choices, and plan purchases more thoughtfully.

To express their viewpoints, students designed posters highlighting the issues, perspectives, and messages they wished to convey. Within 3–5 minutes, each group presented their arguments to the class, aiming to persuade their audience of the importance of raising awareness about responsible fashion consumption. Each presentation demonstrated not only subject knowledge but also students’ ability to articulate and critically engage with a global issue.

The posters stood out for their creativity and serious investment. Students developed their own ideas and designs, using a variety of materials such as paper posters, fabric scraps, old clothes, and fashion tags. Short yet powerful messages were clearly conveyed, including: “Dress well—don’t wear someone else’s pain!” and “Small actions, big effect”, encouraging individuals to start change through small, conscious choices.

Sharing about her work, Hán Quỳnh Thư reflected: “Every purchasing decision has long-term impacts on people and the environment. That’s why planned shopping, using items for longer, and making responsible choices not only help protect the Earth but also help ourselves break free from unconscious consumerism.”

Concluding the Fast Fashion & the Consumerism Cycle module, students not only gained knowledge of sustainable fashion, but also developed a responsible consumer mindset and global citizenship awareness. These are essential lessons that support students in becoming informed, compassionate young people ready to create positive change in society.