A Paisley woman has won a top prize in an environmental competition for her film that explores how fast fashion contributes to climate change.
Amy Gardner, 25, who is the Young Reporter for the Environment, picked up the joint first place in the international Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) competition with her film ‘Fast Fashion Dining’.
She created her film with Paisley youth group ReMode Youth after Emma Owen, their programme assistant took part in film-making training as part of the Youth Climate Film Project .
The short film, which can be watched online, discusses how buying fast fashion can have a significant impact on the planet.
Speaking about her award, Amy said: "It's been so motivating and honouring to have Fast Fashion Dining seen by so many people doing important work for the environment and sustainability.
"It has reinforced for me the power of creativity and setting my mind on a project. Conveying messages through different artistic forms is so important in reaching as many people as possible, and personally - having a lot of fun while doing didn't do me any harm either!
"I'd like to thank ReMode for facilitating it and inspiring and encouraging the making of the film. ReMode does so much for reducing waste in textiles and I've learnt so much since being involved with them.”
The films were first screened in April 2021 at an online event to stimulate discussion about climate change.
Amy’s film was then entered into the Scottish Young Reporters for the Environment competition, run by Keep Scotland Beautiful, and chosen to represent the country in the International YRE Film 19 to 25 years category.
The film received joint first place in the international competition, judged by a jury of professionals in environmental journalism, corporate social responsibility, and education for sustainable development. It was also submitted to the 1.5 Film Festival with Screen Scotland. The film was screened at Films for Future , a weekend of celebratory screenings of Film Access Scotland’s Climate Challenge: 1.5° Films.
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Daniel Barrie, Education and Learning Manager at Keep Scotland Beautiful, added: “As we work to combat climate change the voices of young people are vital for us to hear, so we are delighted that training we delivered to youth leaders earlier this year has enable Amy to share her views on climate change on the international stage as part of Young Reporters for the Environment.
"Winning her category is a real achievement and one that she, and the youth leaders she worked with, should be really proud of.”
Further information about Young Reporters for the Environment can be found at www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/youngreporters
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