From Uniform to Unity: The Circular Classroom Gives Uniforms a Greener Ending
- circular connection
- Aug 28
- 2 min read
School uniforms are getting a second chance thanks to a community-led movement that blends creativity, sustainability and heart.
Image: Instagram/sustainablegallery.sg
As students grow, their school uniforms often don’t grow with them. Every year, piles of barely worn clothes end up forgotten at the back of closets or, worse, in landfills. But in Singapore’s push for a greener future, one initiative is weaving new meaning into old fabric.
From Uniform to Unity, a special showcase running from 20 Aug to 16 Sep 2025, shines a spotlight on how the humble school uniform can become a powerful catalyst for change. Led by The Circular Classroom and hosted at the Sustainable Singapore Gallery, this SG60 event is a celebration of how education, community, and sustainability intersect.
Image: Instagram/sustainablegallery.sg
At the heart of the initiative is a simple but impactful idea: repurpose what already exists. Through hands-on workshops and ongoing collection drives, students, parents, and volunteers are encouraged to donate pre-loved uniforms and transform them into beautiful, useful items. Think bags, pouches, and even art pieces — all crafted from garments that once symbolised student life.
This project not only diverts textile waste from landfills but also teaches the next generation the value of circular living. According to the NEA, Singapore discards over 168,000 tonnes of textile and leather waste each year, and less than 5% of it is recycled. These numbers highlight why such efforts matter.
Image: Instagram/sustainablegallery.sg
The Circular Classroom’s work is a timely reminder that sustainability can start close to home — in classrooms, in families, and in how we treat the things we already own. By keeping materials in use for longer and turning waste into wonder, the movement is helping to stitch together a more conscious community.
As the school year wraps up, many students outgrow their uniforms or replace them with new ones. Instead of letting those garments gather dust, consider giving them a meaningful second life. The Circular Classroom routinely holds donation drives to collect pre-loved uniforms and hosts crafting workshops that turn these fabrics into sustainable products.
Image: Instagram/thecircularclassroom
Support a circular economy by donating, crafting, or simply spreading the word. Because when we give with intention, even the smallest uniform can make a lasting impact.
Key Details:
Event: From Uniform to Unity Dates: 20 Aug to 16 Sep 2025 Location: Sustainable Singapore Gallery Opening Hours: Daily (except Tuesdays), 9AM–12PM and 1PM–6PM
Find out more here!
