Sustainable Style: FR8’s Impact on Fashion and the Community

Written by Lauren Veum

In a world where people are struggling with the effects of rapid fashion on the environment, FR8 (Freight) appears as a ray of hope for the fashion industry This Minnesota-based company, founded by Katie Haghighi, wants to completely change how we choose to discard clothing. FR8 connects customers, small businesses, and clothing donors with local designers through a circular fashion model; upcycling old clothes in an eco-friendly way. We have never seen anything like the creative strategy of FR8 and its potential to improve the fashion industry!

Creating a Circular Fashion Model

The goal of developing a circular fashion model lies at the heart of FR8's design. By donating discarded clothing to others, they give unworn pieces a new life. Furthermore, by collecting clothing from consumers via a pilot program launched this past summer, FR8 was able to stop the apparel from ending up in landfills. FR8 is helping contribute to the decrease of carbon emissions. Scientists estimate that we must eliminate ten billion carbon emission kgs by 2050! To guarantee effective use, these clothes are processed and given out within the communities in which they are located. 

Empowering Local Communities

FR8's strategy is distinguished by its dedication to regional communities. The platform prioritizes supporting local charities, designers, and organizations in addition to minimizing the environmental impact of clothing disposal by offering a convenient pick-up service for unwanted items. Conventional thrift stores often end up dumping out-of-style items. The unfortunate truth is that 80% of donated items end up in landfills or burned. FR8 places a higher priority on helping these clothes find new homes so they can continue to be useful.

Disrupting Consumer Behavior

The business model of FR8 significantly defies conventional customer behavior. Through the introduction of a pick-up service fee schedule for clothing, and donation impacts to be maximized, the site invites users to think about how their wardrobe choices affect the environment. FR8's convenient and budget-friendly service encourages customers to consider the full cost of disposal, which encourages more deliberate and environmentally friendly purchases. To achieve a healthier Earth with more thoughtful communities there must be a change towards responsible consumerism.

Looking Ahead

The founder of FR8, Haghighi, is committed to achieving a sustainable fashion future as the company continues to expand. FR8 hopes to spark a movement by fostering a community of sustainability-conscious individuals, rather than just operating a company. Katie Haghighi and Trinity Philbert’s creative approach to clothing disposal, is setting the stage for a future fashion industry that puts the environment and its inhabitants first. FR8 is proof of the ability to creatively solve the environmental problems that the fashion business presents. With its dedication to supporting local communities, the circular fashion model, and its innovative approach to consumer behavior, FR8 has the power to fundamentally alter how we view and engage with apparel. The platform gives hope for a more sustainably aware future in fashion as it grows and inspires change.

The Vault wants to take this opportunity to thank FR8 from the bottom of our hearts for their amazing contribution to our upcoming fashion show. Their contribution of 350 pounds of clothing—roughly eleven large trash bags—is just amazing! 

The event, which is scheduled for November 10 from 6-7 pm, is very important to us. It brings together enthusiastic students from our styling committee who are ready to create gorgeous ensembles out of your kind donations. FR8’s donation not only helps our event but also exemplifies the values of community and sustainability which The Vault emphasizes.

We are genuinely moved by their dedication to utilizing their creative approach to uplift local communities and create a positive environmental impact. We are so happy to have FR8 on board since their donation will be crucial in demonstrating the possibilities of reusing gently used garments.

Edited by: Roan Vaughan, Hana Razvi, Mia Quigley, Sam Teisch, and Sophie Wilmerding

DEI Reviewed by: Katherine Rubinstein