The teenagers promote slow fashion and aim to combat climate change through innovative initiatives
Hong Kong students champion sustainability by upcycling clothes, promoting slow fashion and combating climate change through innovative initiatives. Photo: HandoutImagine turning old T-shirts into tote bags or giving old jeans a fresh, stylish vibe. Hong Kong secondary students did exactly that to promote sustainability at the capstone event for Save the Children’s Generation Hope 2024 programme.
Why does the environment matter so much to these students? Climate change affects young people the most as it threatens the stability of their futures. Only with a safe climate can younger generations thrive and create a brighter tomorrow.
Inspired by this, youth climate ambassadors in Hong Kong held an event called TriR Tailor on May 31, 2024, at The Mills in Tsuen Wan. The youth-led programme encouraged visitors to rethink fast fashion with upcycling workshops for old clothes, an eco-market and themed exhibitions.
“Fashion shouldn’t come at the cost of waste,” said Lily Tsang, a youth climate ambassador from Christian Alliance SC Chan Memorial College.
“I’ve dedicated myself to promoting the concept of a ‘circular economy’ – giving clothes a second life through upcycling, donation or swapping. I hope more people will embrace slow fashion.”
Tina Lin, another youth climate ambassador from the same school, shared: “I want to do my part – starting with small changes in daily life to protect the Earth and create a liveable future for the next generation.”
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They were among 14 ambassadors who joined Save the Children’s Generation Hope 2024 programme. They also represented Hong Kong at the UN’s SEA of Solutions 2024 conference, which took place in Bangkok with the goal of finding solutions to end plastic pollution.
Since 2022, Generation Hope has empowered 200 secondary school students in Hong Kong to fight for climate justice through innovation and advocacy.
“We believe young people are key to driving social progress and tackling climate change,” said Kalina Tsang, CEO of Save the Children Hong Kong.
“This is a global issue, and we are committed to empowering Hong Kong’s youth – not only by equipping them with knowledge and skills, but by ensuring their voices are heard and their ideas embraced.”
Tsang said the programme would continue supporting youth in building a sustainable future.
Its next cycle, Generation Hope 2025, will be launched soon.
Alice Lam, a youth climate ambassador, reflected on what she gained from the programme.
“I joined Generation Hope because I care about social and global issues – especially climate change, which is becoming increasingly urgent,” she said.
“I wanted to show that young people can make a difference. Our project offers simple, practical ways to live more sustainably and protect the planet together.”