05/12/2026
Another fun write-up from last month's Sustainability at Bellevue College Earth Week events, this time from 3rd-year OLS student Nathan!
"I attended an Earth Month event on April 15, 2026, where I participated in a hands-on tie-dye activity focused on sustainability and creativity. After reviewing the list of campus events ahead of time, I chose the session held at 11:30 a.m. in D106 because it combined art with an important environmental message.
The purpose of the activity was to promote upcycling—reusing old clothing to reduce fast-fashion waste—and to encourage the use of eco-friendly dyes. When I arrived, I looked through the available recyclable fabrics and chose a small, thin towel for my project.
To begin the process, I folded the fabric lengthwise and secured it with rubber bands, creating sections for the dye pattern. I then placed the towel into a navy-blue dye bucket and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Afterward, I rinsed it in the sink and removed the rubber bands, revealing the final design.
The experience was both creative and meaningful. It showed me how simple actions, like reusing old materials, can support sustainability efforts. Before leaving, I thanked the organizers and brought my finished piece home to wash and dry, completing the process."
Thanks for sharing, Nathan. Your upcycled piece is great!