Where Fashion Meets Sustainability:
Leading the Change with 4F Fast Fashion? Fast Forward!
Welcome to 4F
Fast Fashion? Fast Forward!
Accelerating Circular Economy in Europe: The 4F Project’s Innovative Approach
Our initiative, the 4F Project, stands at the forefront of driving a circular economy in Europe and beyond. In alignment with the urgent objectives of the European Green Deal, we are dedicated to transforming the European Union into a model of resource-efficiency and sustainable competitiveness.
By embracing the Circular
Economy Action Plan, the 4F Project actively reduces the strain on natural
resources. This move is not just a commitment to sustainable growth; it's a
direct response to the global challenge of biodiversity loss. Our focus is on
one of the most dynamic sectors: circular textiles and clothing, a cornerstone
of the slow fashion movement.
Empowering Through Education and Practical Tools
Understanding the power
of knowledge and practical application, our project is committed to raising
awareness about slow fashion and the principles of a circular economy. We're
equipping educators and youth workers across the European Union with innovative
tools and resources, fostering a new generation of environmentally conscious
citizens.
Shaping Sustainable
Attitudes in Fashion
The fashion industry
stands at a pivotal point. With the 4F Project, we are not just envisioning but
actively working towards a revolution in this sector. By promoting slow fashion
and sustainable practices, we aim to influence both production and consumption
patterns, making a tangible impact in the fight against climate change.
A Collaborative Effort
Supported by Erasmus+
This groundbreaking
project is proudly co-financed by the Erasmus+ programme, a testament to the
European Union’s commitment to environmental sustainability and education.
Together, through collaborations like these, we are not just imagining but
actively building a greener, more sustainable future.
Join Us in
Revolutionizing Fashion for a Sustainable Future
We invite you to be a
part of this transformative journey. Whether you're a student, educator,
industry professional, or simply a concerned citizen, your involvement is
crucial. Together, we can make a significant impact against climate change,
champion sustainable development, and reshape the very fabric of the fashion
industry.
Mission
Mission: Charting a Path to Climate Neutrality through Circular Economy
Recent findings from the
2021 Eurobarometer survey by the European Commission have highlighted a pivotal
concern: European citizens view climate change as the gravest challenge facing
our planet. Addressing this, the European Green Deal emerges as a beacon of
hope, steering the EU towards a modern, resource-efficient, and competitive
economy.
The Circular Economy
Action Plan: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth
A landmark initiative by
the European Commission, the Circular Economy Action Plan, adopted in March
2020, is a cornerstone in the EU’s strategy to achieve climate neutrality by
2050. This plan is a comprehensive approach to reduce pressure on natural resources,
fostering sustainable growth and job creation. It underscores the EU’s
commitment to halting biodiversity loss, focusing on eco-friendly product
design, promoting circular economy processes, advocating for sustainable
consumption, and minimizing waste.
Tackling Fast Fashion:
A Major Environmental Concern
Despite the growing trend
towards sustainability, the EU textile and fashion industry faces a significant
challenge: the "fast-fashion phenomenon." Europeans, on average,
consume 26 kg of textiles per person each year, leading to a worrying 11 kg of
textile waste per person. This trend is a major hurdle in the path to achieving
climate neutrality.
4F Project: A
Multinational Initiative for Sustainable Fashion
In response, our
dedicated team introduced the “4F-Fast Fashion? Fast Forward!” project. This
initiative unites five diverse European countries, each bringing unique
experiences and expertise to address the pressing issue of fast fashion. Our
goal is to foster collaboration and accelerate the transition towards a
circular economy, reshaping the fashion industry in Europe and beyond.
European Commission
and Erasmus+: Catalyzing Change
The 4F Project,
co-financed by the Erasmus+ programme, is a testament to the European Union's
determination to drive sustainable development. This project is a direct reflection
of the principles set forth by the European Commission's Circular Economy
Action Plan, marking a significant step towards our goal of climate neutrality.
Project partners
Project objectives
The overall aim of the project is to build knowledge, develop skills, and attitudes to prevent climate change and support sustainable development, focusing on circular textiles and clothing, meant for educators, teachers, trainers, and youth workers. To fulfill our aim we have envisioned the following objectives:
Raise awareness and create a better understanding of the above-mentioned EU policies, action plans, and concepts among the target group and wider community of participating countries to effectively fight against climate change.
Equip youth workers and educators with practical tools and methods which will help the users engage their audiences and use their newly gained knowledge in their practices supporting innovation and quality of youth work.
Shape the attitude of sustainable lifestyles and help people rethink fashion: how they buy, use, reuse and dispose of textile to protect the environment.
Establish a network of like-minded organizations increasing the quality and recognition of youth work.
Establish a digital space for learners that is accessible for everyone developing digital readiness and capacity.
Partners description
Slovak Eco Quality, Slovakia
Slovak Eco Quality (SEQ) is made up of people, its members, cooperators and volunteers, in areas and topics related to green and circular economy, sustainable lifestyle, recycling and upcycling, ethical fashion, etc.
Slovak Eco Quality is a relative newcomer in the pool of European not for profit organizations working with people on positive social and environmental impact topics via education. However, it has been merging members from different fields focused on topics of sustainability and circular economy in non-formal education and this is seen as its asset for the future operation and educational activities.
SEQ intends to work with people with no age limit, especially with ones being open minded and interested in the following areas: development of products from waste – up-cycling; promotion of zero waste concept; recycling of waste materials; circular economy as the opposition to linear; environmental protection and up-grading of environmentally affected areas; craft production, its quality, benefits and importance of its support; local production and full support of local products; engagement, empowerment, and support for people with fewer opportunities; promotion and support of local hand-made products and their designers/producers; support of and raising awareness about a healthy, ethical, slow and green lifestyle; dissemination of knowledge, and development of skills and green competencies through workshops, presentations, educational materials and networks; support to social innovation, social entrepreneurship and social impact activities in the society, etc.
"UniGrowth Development Center" Youth NGO, Armenia
“UniGrowth
Development Center” is a non-governmental organization established in Yerevan
in 2016.
Being founded by educational psychologists it claimed its main aim to develop and deliver educational programs and activities within the framework of Non formal education raising youth work quality and its relevance both locally and internationally.
What drives our organization is the strong belief that non formal education should be complementary to formal education and our mission is to fill in the discrepancy between them.
Main target groups we work with are
-Youth sector representatives (youth workers, youth
leaders, social workers responsible for work with youth in their communities,
school teachers, vocational education staff etc.)
In terms of work with them we offer professional development opportunities as
well as non-formal educational tools and methods to organize their learning
activities and programs with higher quality.
-Young people aged 16-30 years old.
In terms of work with youngsters we promote active citizenship among young people both on local and international levels, provide opportunities to participate in different educational programs, to have a chance for self-exploration through various programs, develop life skills, thus creating an environment for united and balanced growth.
-Decision makers and stakeholders in the field of youth
Here we forge meaningful partnerships with decision-makers, contributing to the development of policies and initiatives that better serve the needs of youth. In particular we engage in advocacy efforts to influence youth-related policies at local, national and European levels. We Provide expertise and input during the policy-making process, ensuring that the voices and concerns of youth are considered as well as promote the inclusion of youth representatives in decision-making bodies and committees
Since 2016 we have already designed and implemented more than 30 international projects equipping with youth sector representatives with educational methods and tools for organizing their learning activities wither higher quality and participatory approach.
UDC is a full member of YOU Armenian national platform (Youth Organizations Union) which enables us to cooperate tightly both with other NGO sector active representatives from all over the country as well as with local communities and authorities.
Furthermore, we have a big network of partners in EU and EECA regions cooperating with them in the scope of Erasmus + KA1 and KA2 programs integrating European experience of NFE into local reality as well as sharing our best practices with international partners.
UniGrowth DC is also an accredited sending organization of ESC programs.
Stowarzyszenie IMPAKT, Poland
IMPAKT is a creative platform for youth and to facilitate their constant flow of ideas. IMPAKT is an acronym and in Polish it stands for Integration, Youth, Potential, Activeness, Culture and Tourism and those are the areas we put an emphasis on. We are empowering young people to follow their dreams and we are helping them to find the potential inside of them. We are also aware that "youth" doesn't have an age limit - it's the matter of mind. We are organizing meetings and actions that stimulate exchange between adults, youth and kids and we believe that each group can learn something important from the other. In our youth work we focus on such topics as: self-development, nature, well-being, happiness, non-formal education, theater, storytelling, arts, sports, tolerance, dignity, tourism, culture and many more. We are open for every new activity, as the youth we are working with is in the constant flow of ideas. Our team is full of people with different passions and interests and that's why we are still developing in many areas of activities. Formally as an NGO we are quite young, established in 2017, but our experience is way ahead of our formal boundaries. We promote intercultural discussions and all activities that can make this world better and more integrated. IMPAKT is located in Kielce, the highlands of Poland, so we are surrounded by beautiful forests and full of legends, magical mountains. We are exploring our national traditions and culture and we gladly share it with others. IMPAKT is cooperating with city officials as well as regional and international youth organizations in order to improve the quality of life around us and to brighten the future of both youth and those who are young inside. We believe that the best way of predicting the future is to create it and that’s what we do. We are active in the area of the Erasmus+ program, organizing international exchanges and training courses, as well as the European Solidarity Corps program, thanks to which we implement local and national activities. Impakt is a place where young people can find their passions, implement plans that until now seemed unrealistic and learn how to obtain funding to make their dreams come true.
IMPAKT is working not only in the areas of self-development and cultural awareness, but also in storytelling activities. We also know how important it is to live a healthy and active lifestyle - we are promoting it in our daily local activities. We are acting to empower and inspire youth, explore their potential and be aware and active citizens. We organize zero waste and ecological-related workshops for the local community. There are a lot of things that we learnt from Erasmus+ projects and we want to share both - results and ideas themselves - with others. We are organizing tourism activities, preparing animations in nature and developing a healthy and active lifestyle of our participants. We are not closing the door for any opportunity to learn, teach and inspire. We are organizing many activities – from reading fairy tales to kids through job and self-development workshops with youth to theater sessions for elderly people.
MESHY (Media Education Sustainability, Hospitality, Yeah), Italy
MESHY is an organization that brings together the experience of young professionals and experts in the field of culture, training, education, self-development and professional orientation. The organization has 7 founding members and a large number of supporters (or followers) from different backgrounds. Considering all members, volunteers and consultants, the staff reaches the fixed minimum number of ten people. The common vision of the team is to give (especially to young people) the opportunity to undertake a path to grow (personal and professional) in respect of “sustainability”; where the personal development is combined with social commitment and respect for the environment. MESHY considers people as "healthy carriers" of culture and focuses on the growth of knowledge and on improving life skills. The organization pays attention to cultural integration and social inclusion, and is sensitive to the promotion of European values.
The target groups are mostly: young people; disadvantaged people (outsiders; NEET generation; disoriented people; immigrants) and everyone who feels to be different and is seeking tools and paths to express themselves and to learn.
MESHY arranges events to promote: the cultural heritage (as in the framework of UNESCO youth); niche sectors and new expressions of art (books, comics and new art expressions); international projects and initiatives related to environmental sustainability (as in the framework of Erasmus+; Europe for Citizens and other national, regional or local programs). Our members are experts in social media, visual arts and pay particular attention to digital channels too.
MESHY is an organization deeply embedded in the local area and is constantly involved in dialogue with institutions and operators in the field of youth, culture, education and career guidance. One of the strengths of the association is, in fact, the network that even if not directly involved in projects, offers its contribution in terms of voluntary support. The network also guarantees a wide range of follow-up dissemination, as well as the possibility of disseminating project results on an international scale.
MESHSY cooperates with local schools (especially with catering institute Carmine Russo of Cicciano); local municipalities; local organizations (especially those involved in youth, culture; European and education sectors) and supporting bodies for third sector (ciessevi, social offices, etc.). Periodically the organization arranges meetings and workshops with local partners in order to: arrange social activities (petitions; environmental protection; awareness campaigns; flash mobs; etc.); workshop on project designing (project results promotion; program presentation; brainstorming; idea drafting; project design).
With “Sustainable education” learners follow a learning path that combines three aspects: personal development; social commitments; sustainable economy. “Let’s talk” is our initiative where people meet language experts in cafés and bars to talk informally. “Garden talents” is another initiative where entrepreneurs and educators meet young people to talk about job and educational careers, including the basic tools (marketing, social media, etc.). In these activities participants learn also to connect with society, the respect for the environment and the importance of developing a sustainable economy.
Personal development, environment and economy are strictly connected to each other. For these aims MESHY promotes an economy connected to the local traditions and local excellences. To give some examples, common activities are arranged with schools like: cuisine labs and traditional crafts; slaw food promotion (from farm to table).
AMAZE&CO DOO, Serbia
Amaze&Co is a brand and business consulting firm founded in Belgrade (Serbia) in 2017. As the first company in the region which provides services to fashion brands and businesses, it was quickly recognized for its unique solution-based approach. It was established by Aleksandra Marić, university lecturer of fashion management related subjects and consultant. Since its founding the company has been known for its unique mix of consulting and educational methodologies.
The philosophy which drives the organization is not only to provide services which aid the business management of its clients but also to share the expertise and knowledge in a way which will first educate clients and enable them to manage their own processes, receive the necessary know-how and be sustainable on their own. Some of the services which the firm provides are: brand and business development, supply chain development and reinvention, sustainable development and circularity management, brand design, photo and video production, brand strategy, pricing and sales strategy development, communication strategies, etc. These services are provided through consulting, but the crucial part of the approach are the workshops, seminars, presentations, classes, and online teachings which are provided to clients by the organization.
Apart from working with professionals from the industry, Amaze&Co cooperates with many universities and fashion schools from different parts of Europe (Italy, Russia, Montenegro, Serbia...) and dedicates numerous hours to the education of future generations of fashion industry managers and designers. The consultancy has had great success in the past years with its tailor-made high-school program, aimed towards including young people in sustainable fashion projects and educating them about the importance of circular fashion. The firm cooperates with numerous experts, but the core team of the company consists of six team members.
Relevant Projects
Circular Design Europe
This project, funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 program, aims
to foster sustainable design practices in the fashion and textile
industry. It focuses on developing tools, guidelines, and training
programs to enable designers to create circular and sustainable fashion
products.
Fashion Revolution
Fashion Revolution is a global movement that seeks to raise awareness about the social and environmental impacts of the fashion industry. While it is not exclusively EU-funded, it collaborates with various partners and organizations that receive EU funding to support initiatives promoting transparency, ethical practices, and sustainable fashion.
Project webpageEuropean Clothing Action Plan (ECAP)
ECAP is an EU-funded project that focuses on reducing the environmental impact of clothing throughout its lifecycle. It aims to encourage sustainable production, promote circular economy practices, and raise awareness among consumers about the importance of sustainable fashion choices.
Project webpageClosing the Loop
Closing the Loop is an EU-funded project that aims to reduce textile waste and promote the recycling and upcycling of textiles. It focuses on raising awareness about the environmental impacts of fast fashion and provides practical solutions for extending the life cycle of clothing items.
Project webpageCircular Fashion Partnership
The Circular Fashion Partnership is an EU-funded project that brings together key stakeholders from the fashion industry to support the transition to a circular economy. It focuses on promoting sustainable practices, innovation, and collaboration across the entire value chain of the fashion industry.
Project webpage
