North Raleigh Today

Applications are now open for the 2024 Trashion Competition, a part of the City of Raleigh's Environmental Awards. This annual competition celebrates recycled garments and accessories created by talented students and aspiring designers in the Raleigh area. Not only do winners receive a prize, but they also have the opportunity to showcase their unique and environmentally-inspired creations made from discarded items.

The deadline to enter this exciting competition is March 1, so aspiring designers are encouraged to submit their entries as soon as possible. Residents in the Solid Waste Services utility service areas, which include Raleigh, Garner, Rolesville, Knightdale, Wendell, and Zebulon, are eligible to participate.

Entries will be evaluated by a panel of judges based on their originality, functionality, and quality of construction. It is required that submissions contain at least 75% of recyclable materials accepted by the City of Raleigh's recycling program. This ensures that the competition stays true to its mission of promoting sustainability and waste reduction.

Last year's Trashion Competition winner, Amelia Boys, showcased her incredible garment titled "Barbara Ann." The dress and top were created using materials such as paper grocery bags, paper packaging materials, plastic water bottles, and aluminum cans. Amelia's innovative use of these discarded items truly exemplified the spirit of the competition.

To apply for the 2024 Trashion Competition and to learn more about the other categories of the Environmental Awards, interested individuals can visit RaleighNC.gov and search for "2024 Environmental Awards."

This competition not only provides a platform for aspiring designers to showcase their talents but also serves as a reminder of the importance of recycling and repurposing materials. By transforming trash into fashion, these designers are making a statement about sustainability and inspiring others to think creatively about waste reduction.

So, if you have an eye for fashion and a passion for sustainability, don't miss this opportunity to participate in the 2024 Trashion Competition. Start gathering your recyclable materials, let your creativity shine, and who knows, you could be the next Trashion winner, making a positive impact on the fashion industry and the environment.