Everyone enjoys getting something for free, but for UThrift—a student-led organization at the University of Miami dedicated to promoting sustainable fashion—free means much, much more.
It’s about engaging in environmentally friendly practices and creating a sense of community through clothing swaps, workshops, and events that show how sustainable fashion can be both accessible and meaningful.
Sophie Fournier, president of UThrift, promotes conscious consumerism and slow fashion by fostering a community-driven space where students can swap clothing. Through a free and credit-based system, UThrift encourages sustainable fashion choices and cultivates a culture of giving back, allowing students to refresh their wardrobes without contributing to waste or fast fashion.
Founded in 2017 as a small donation stand, UThrift has since grown into a key player in the University’s sustainable fashion scene. Fournier joined as a logistics director her first year on campus and is now in her second semester as president. In the last year, she has helped grow the club from a small donation stand into a vibrant community on campus, where students connect over sustainable fashion, free clothing swaps, and creative events like fashion shows and workshops.
“Our lakeside fashion show highlights students modeling thrifted outfits, showing the beauty of sustainable style,” said Fournier, a junior double majoring in finance and legal studies. “We also host upcycling and sewing workshops with Green U to teach students how to repurpose their finds.”
Each year, students select items from local thrift stores and their own closets and curate ensembles that not only highlight their individual style but also showcase how second-hand fashion can be both trendy and eco-friendly.
Fournier said the upcycling and sewing workshops have been impactful, with students gaining hands-on experience in transforming old garments into new pieces. These workshops, in collaboration with Green U, also emphasize the environmental benefits of reducing waste and extending the life cycle of clothing.
Green U, the University's sustainability initiative, was born out of student advocacy in 2007 and has evolved into a force for environmental consciousness on campus. The Office of Sustainability officially launched in 2014 and works closely with members of the University community to promote eco-friendly practices, such as water conservation and reducing the campus’s carbon footprint.
“ECO is launching ECO Reps dedicated to peer education on sustainability in housing, including recycling stations in dorms, benches made from recycled goods, and initiatives like the U Conserve contest to reduce energy and water usage,” said Teddy Lhoutellier, director of sustainability at the University.
Through an app encouraging sustainable behavior, the ECO Reps are hosting an Energy and Water Saving contest throughout the month of October to promote sustainable practices among students living on campus.
From ensuring the careful treatment of trees to encouraging plant-based menus, the office plays a critical role in embedding sustainability into all aspects of University life. Green U also partners with student organizations like the ECO Agency, co-advising efforts that range from fast fashion panels to fashion shows in collaboration with UThrift aimed at raising awareness about sustainable practices.
UThrift was created to address the fast pace of fashion trends and the growing problem of clothing waste. By promoting conscious consumerism and slow fashion, the club encourages students to donate and swap clothing that holds meaning for them, giving back to the community through a free system that focuses on sustainability.
“We’ve had faculty and even people from the local farmers market donate clothing, so it’s become more than just a student initiative—it’s really a community effort,” said Fournier. “Over the years, we’ve hosted five or six fashion shows, and it’s incredible to see how UThrift brings everyone together to promote sustainable fashion.”
UThrift is aiming to reach more students, especially incoming students, and expand its efforts to include donations to women’s shelters. With a passionate team, UThrift plans to continue growing its presence and diversify its offerings by including more men's clothing and consistent donation drives. They hope to inspire more students to engage with sustainability before they even step on campus.
If you are interested in joining this amazing club or interested in walking in a fashion show, don’t miss UThrift’s biggest event of the season Nov. 13—featuring upcycled looks and local designers. The next student body meeting is Oct. 10 to discuss event planning, volunteer opportunities, and ways to get involved with UThrift’s mission of promoting conscious consumerism and slow fashion.
