The gym at Berlin Community School (BCS) turned into a high-energy runway on June 4, as sixth-grade students in the annual “Trashion Show” strutted down the catwalk in one-of-a-kind outfits made of recycled materials.
Blending fashion, environmental awareness and STEM education, the show has become a beloved tradition at the school. Started by former seventh-grade science teacher Barb Rote, it is now carried on by sixth-grade science teacher Beth Snyder.
“It has become a tradition at BCS that I continued after Barb retired,” Snyder said. “The students become quite passionate about making changes that will preserve the planet.”
Each show outfit was designed and constructed by student teams who began by collecting items like used clothing, toys, plastic bottles, newspaper and other recyclable materials from home. They then collaborated to conceptualize and construct their “trashion” looks from the ground up.
The show is also the culminating activity of the sixth-grade unit on climate change, where students learn about the environmental impact of mass production, landfills and greenhouse gas emissions.
“The trashion show is a culmination of our unit on climate change,” Snyder explained. “It brings awareness to how the things we throw away contribute to higher levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.”
The show included a full runway walk and even a voting process where students from the elementary grades cast votes for their favorite designs. Among them were Chicken Jockey, a mash-up of farmyard activities; Sparkly Prickly Cacti, which created a desert vibe with its glittery recyclables and painted containers; and the Statue of Recyclables, a creative homage to Lady Liberty made with soda cans and paper scraps.
“I am always amazed by all of their creations,” Snyder enthused. “The effort, creativity and teamwork that goes into each design are incredible. They really run with it – literally.”
The Trashion Show not only promotes environmental awareness but also gives students a platform to think critically, solve problems and express themselves artistically, according to the school.
“What I really hope students take away is that their choices matter,” Snyder emphasized. “They walk away empowered to think about waste, sustainability and how they can make a difference.”
For many students, the Trashion Show is a highlight of the school year that demonstrates how sustainability can be stylish, too.
