Our community: Sofia McDarby - School Sustainability Advocate

When she was younger, Sofia McDarby found it difficult to learn about global warming and fossil fuels, landfill sites and deforestation - issues that can feel overwhelming to an individual.

But over time Sofia began learning about practical, tangible things like fast fashion and noticed that, as an industry, it relies completely on consumer support. “This, I realised, we could actually impact if we all worked together,” she said.

Sofia started small, organising local events in her area to highlight the issues she was interested in. A passion for second-hand shopping passed down from her mum and aunties saw her organising swap shops and second hand clothes stalls at her local market. Sofia began speaking to students at her school and finding out what they knew about circularity. “I was shocked at how little they knew about the issues surrounding fast fashion,” she said, though the amount of engagement she got from students was really encouraging.

Youth action like this is hugely important to the sustainability and circularity movement in Ireland, with activists like Greta Thunberg proving a firebrand for many. “She inspired me to find ways to make a difference, to try and grab people's attention, to wake them up,” said Sofia, who was runner-up at Circular.ie’s Full Circle Awards last year.

Fighting against fast fashion and greenwashing can be daunting, but Sofia takes it in her stride, thinking big about what tariffs could be introduced for brands to reduce waste in Ireland. One area Sofia is interested in is holding unethical brands accountable. On the flipside she would like to see more funding for smaller sustainable brands who focus on a slow fashion approach.

“I hope when I go on to college that I will be able to reach a wider audience and have a broader reach with the information I am trying to get out there,” said Sofia.

Thinking of transforming your wardrobe? Why not start with what you have and extend the life of your clothes through repair, care and alterations. Read our guide on how to make your wardrobe work harder and give new life to the clothes you own.

Thinking bigger? Find sewing workshops and swap shop events around the country in our events section.