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Worn out of fashion Worn out of fashion YOUR BRENT • SUMMER 2023
It’s estimated that just one t-shirt can produce up to 6.75 kg of carbon emissions during its entire production life cycle.
Cristina Cellini Antonini , Director of Funding, Fast Fashion Project
The Fast Fashion project featuring a diverse range of Brent residents wearing second-hand clothes launched in April with a grassroots photo exhibition to highlight the impact on the climate and the environment of buying more clothes than needed.
The photographs were taken in front of recognisable landmarks around the borough with the aim of raising awareness on how daily fashion choices and consumer habits can have a seriously harmful impact on the environment, as well as contributing to human rights violations.
The Project is run by Brent-based charity We Restart and funded by Brent Council through the Brent Together Toward Zero grant.
Director of Funding, Cristina Cellini Antonini said: “10% of global CO2 emissions are caused by the textile industry, which is more than international aviation and shipping sectors combined. “It’s estimated that just one t-shirt can produce up to 6.75 kg of carbon emissions during its entire production life cycle. These emissions are one of the leading causes of global warming and climate change.”
She adds: “We want to use arts and culture to bring about positive change, reduce our reliance and use of fast fashion and attract local residents to get involved.”
The final exhibition is a collection of thirteen posters that were launched at the Lexi Cinema in Kensal Rise in April. Additional posters will be displayed on the windows of local charity shops and community venues to promote the message of shopping for clothes at charity shops.
The photographs were taken by Carolina Rapezzi, a freelance photographer based in Brent, who works on social, humanitarian, and environmental issues. She is part of the National Union of Journalists UK and Women Photograph. Get involved at www.werest.art
Young carers provide care and emotional support for either a mum, dad or grandparent, while attending school and trying to maintain friendships.
Many don’t see themselves as carers as often it’s part of their cultural background to care for family members. 14-year-old Stephan, from Harlesden, has been a carer for his mum for eight years. His dad helps, as well as his sister when she’s home from university.
Stephan said, “It’s been ok so far, some days are easy and other days aren’t. I care for my mum in the morning before I go to school and when I get home from school until my dad comes home.
“I help my mum get changed and make her breakfast and lunch. I enjoy cooking and cleaning as they are easier tasks, I don’t like washing and walking Murphy, our black Labrador.”
Stephan’s caring responsibilities continue at the weekends and during school holidays.
Stephan added, “It’s rare that I get to hang out with my friends because I’m caring for my mum, but I have met other young carers through Brent Gateway. “Even though I’m busy caring for my mum, I am still doing well in school and make time to do my homework. In a few years I would like to go to university, I know my mum will make sure of that!”
Councillor Neil Nerva, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Adult Social Care said: “There are a high number of adults and young people in Brent who are juggling work or school with unpaid caring responsibilities. We’re recognizing unpaid carers who do a remarkable and important job and want to make sure that all carers regardless of age are able to access support and advice.”
Do you care for someone over 18 years and need help? Then email the Brent Gateway Services team: info@brengateway.org to see what support or services you are eligible for. Find out more about carers in Brent: www.brent.gov.uk/adult-social-care/ caring-for-someone