Broken clothes analysis

Explain the goal of the activity: to map and understand what happens to clothing after it breaks or is discarded.

Discuss briefly why people throw clothes away (damage, fashion, boredom, etc.)

Each student (or small group) picks one broken clothing item. They note what’s wrong (e.g., torn, missing button, faded) and why it might be thrown out.

Ask: What will happen next?

• Thrown in the bin?
• Donated?
• Repaired?
• Upcycled?

Students jot down all possible outcomes — realistic or creative.

Create a chain reaction map. Start with ‘broken clothing item’ in the centre. Add branches showing what happens next — e.g.:

• “Thrown in the bin → landfill → microfibres → ocean pollution”
• “Donated → secondhand shop → new owner”
• “Repaired → reused → longer life span.”

Encourage detail: who’s involved, how long each step lasts, environmental/social consequences.

Ask students to identify the most sustainable and least sustainable paths.

Display a few maps and discuss patterns:

• Where does most waste end up?
• What could interrupt or change the chain?
• What personal or community actions could improve outcomes (repair, swap, recycle)?

Divide students in groups using the Random Groups method. Let them reflect on the activity using the 3-Point Presentation method.