"Fast fashion pollutes our planet. According to Earth.org, 100 billion tons of clothing are produced each year, with the majority, 92 billion tons, becoming waste. It is estimated that by 2030, the clothing industry will generate up to 134 million tons of waste annually. This is not the only negative impact of fast fashion—according to the UN Environmental Programme, this sector is the second largest consumer of water and accounts for about 10% of global carbon dioxide emissions. That's more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. 

The seventh edition of the Jawor Eco Star, organized by Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Poland, aimed to inspire young people to analyze the impact of the clothing industry on our environment and to interest them in zero-waste fashion. In the competition, students from upper secondary schools from the districts of Jawor, Legnica, Świdnica, and Wałbrzych participated. As in previous years, participants were tasked with creating a short film promoting eco-friendly attitudes. 

The jury, consisting of Sebastian Streuff, Patryk Ramut, Anna Frąckowiak, Aleksandra Nawrot-Marchewka, Mateusz Kowal (Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Poland), and Michał Bander (Head of Jawor County), awarded main prizes, iPads, to Hanna Kroczak and Julia Sopata from the County Center for Vocational and Continuing Education for their film 'Fashionable and Eco', supervised by Ms. Izabela Walusiak-Zdunek. The award-winning film discusses various ways of reusing old clothes and textiles. The girls gave them a second life, creating original costumes and unique planter covers from old towels. The jury appreciated the creativity and imagination of the winners. 

'Fashion is a way for me to express myself. I especially value ecological fashion because it allows me to care for the planet without sacrificing style. This year's edition of Eco Star allowed me to share my passion with my peers. I'm glad I could participate in the contest, and I had a great time with my friend," commented Julia Sopata, one of this year's winners. 

Finalist list: 
-'Dying Styles - Return to Roots', Gabriela Powroźnik supervised by Ms. Monika Zawadzka from School Complex No. 1 in Świdnica. 
-'Second Life of Clothes', Patryk Banaś and Maxmilian Krejčí supervised by Ms. Izabela Walusiak-Zdunek from the County Center for Vocational and Continuing Education in Jawor. 
-'Eco Anew', Michał Rejczyk supervised by Ms. Agnieszka Jezierska from the School Complex of Technical and General Education in Legnica. 
-'Ecology in Style', Alicja Kopańska supervised by Ms. Małgorzata Marczyk from V High School in Legnica. 
-'Fashionable and Eco', Hanna Kroczak and Julia Sopata supervised by Ms. Izabela Walusiak-Zdunek from the County Center for Vocational and Continuing Education in Jawor. 
-'Ecocreation2', Magda Głuszek and Hanna Filaszkiewicz supervised by Ms. Karolina Chmielewska from the Maria Skłodowska-Curie School Complex in Szczawno-Zdrój. 

'For several years, Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Poland has been supporting young people in expanding their knowledge by implementing an environmental education program. The problem of excessive consumption concerns us all, and it is important to encourage young people to look for alternatives while unleashing their creativity. Zero-waste fashion can be a good way to express oneself and care for the environment. We are pleased that the competition enjoys such great interest every year,' says Marlena Biadała-Domino, PR Manager at Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Poland. 

The finalists' films can be viewed on the contest website: www.ekogwiazda-jawor.pl 

The 'Eco Star/Jawor edition' competition was under the honorary patronage of the Head of Jawor County, Mr. Michał Bander. 

Contact persons: Press office: mbmpl@kawalekswiata.pl"