The Mending Initiative, a collaboration at Appalachian State University, aims to build an awareness about the importance of maintaining and taking care of clothing. Rather than throwing away clothing with rips or tears, the initiative teaches students and community members to repair clothing so it doesn’t end up in landfills. Launched in fall 2017 by instructor Mary Ray and Associate Professor Nancy Oliver in the Department of Applied Design’s apparel design and merchandising program, along with Senior Lecturer Susan Poorman in the Department of Communication, the initiative is now an element of Applied Design's sustainability in apparel course.
To learn more about the Mending Initative, or to host your own mending workshop as part of a class or club meeting, contact Mary Ray.