Eco-Chic Fashions to Hit the Catwalk at SMU March 25

By Denise Gee
SMU News

DALLAS (SMU) — Samaiya Mushtaq believes a commitment to sustainability can be a fashion statement.

Capri Sun handmade dress & bag.

The SMU chemistry major is paving the way, via the catwalk, for the University’s first eco-fashion show, set for 6 p.m. March 25 at SMU’s Hughes-Trigg Varsity Room.

The cost of admission is just one recyclable item, such as a spent plastic bottle or aluminum can. The event is open to the community and food will be provided.

Supporting the University’s competitive efforts in the nationwide RecycleMania contest, the event will showcase fashion designs featuring at least 75 percent reclaimed, recycled, natural and/or organic materials. Winning designers will take home gift cards.

“We wanted to do something creative and fun that would add an entertaining twist to the idea of recycling and reusing,” says Mushtaq, whose studies in chemical recycling led her to become a student environmental representative on SMU’s sustainability committee. “We heard about a fashion show that took place in Dallas in December and saw its success on other campuses, so we thought it was perfect.”

Mushtaq says the response from the design community has been enthusiastic but there’s room for additional designers to join the mix of entrants before the March 15 deadline. Each design must be original, and no more than two designers may collaborate on a work. Also, designers must provide models for the show, and be present during the event.

For more details or an application, contact bmushtaq@smu.edu.

Battle of the Buildings Rachets Up

Meanwhile, SMU’s sustainability team is issuing a new challenge: Which of the academic and athletic campus buildings can collect the most recyclables during the remainder of the RecycleMania competition, which runs through April 2.

“This is the beginning of a new tradition,” says SMU Environmental Manager Eric English. Residence halls have been competing with each other since the start of RecycleMania Feb. 6.

The academics or athletic building winner will be awarded a RecycleMania plaque at the President’s Picnic May 25.

“This would be a great time to do those office clean-outs you’ve been wanting to do,” English says. “Just do it!”

To help SMU stay competitive in RecycleMania, toss recyclables in their proper place.

Put these “single-stream recyclables” in blue bins or containers lined with clear bags:

• Books and magazines
• Aluminum cans
• Cardboard
• Paper
• Shrink-wrap
• Milk jugs and plastic bottles
• Newspapers
• Phone Books

The exception: Place corrugated cardboard boxes alongside the bins for each building’s custodian to compact or bale.

For more details on RecycleMania , visit recyclemaniacs.org. For more information about SMU’s recycling efforts, visit smu.edu/fms/Recycling_Program.asp or contact Eric English at 8-2163 or eenglish@smu.edu .

SMU and the RecycleMania Rankings

Residence Hall Rankings