This year's Minnesota 4-H statewide service project encourages youth to perform service that has a positive impact on the environment. The Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors have created monthly service challenges for individual youth or youth groups to give back to their community and be eco-friendly.
Slow down fast fashion
The service challenge for December is to slow down fast fashion. The state ambassadors are asking you to thrift your next fashion piece, rather than purchasing it and contributing to the fast-fashion industry.
Fast fashion is a commonly overlooked issue by many, but over the past decades our fashion has become cheaper and our trend cycles have sped up. This has led to excessive waste and a large amount of money spent on outfits worn only a few times.
Find more information on fast fashion.
Reduce energy consumption in January
January's challenge will be to reduce our energy consumption and overall waste. Did you know that a lot of our energy is wasted by rejected energy or various inefficiencies? This can be from simple acts like forgetting to shut off the lights in vacant rooms or running the air conditioning when no one is home.
This is why, during January, you are challenged to be as efficient with your energy usage as possible. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) provides energy efficiency tips.
Share with us
As you complete your monthly service challenges, remember to share with us in two ways:
- On social media using #GoGreenWithMN4H
- Complete the service reporting form
Together we can make a positive impact on the environment in Minnesota.