Upcycle Crush!

A tinder inspired upcycling game of exchange between:

The Over Consumer - The Upcycler

In service of a justice led sustainable fashion future 

We are calling all stylish and sustainability-minded folks! Get ready for an adventure inspired by the one and only Tinder! Introducing "," an interactive game that brings together diverse individuals, from ‘fashion addicts’ to ‘upcycling gurus’ all driven to combat textile waste and create a better, more sustainable fashion future. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this revolutionary project!

We're on the lookout for participants who fit into one of these captivating categories: 

1. Fashion Consumers/Overconsumers ready for change: If you've had that aha moment and realized the impact of overconsumption, and now you're determined to shake things up with your fashion choices, we want to hear from you! Swipe right, wear right and join the movement!
2. Upcyclers with a sustainable touch: Are you a master at transforming and upgrading clothing in the most eco-friendly way possible? You can show off your expertise and become a driving force behind sustainable practices. It's time to show the world your upcycling prowess!

We offer: As a participant, get ready for three unforgettable "dates" between July 10th and 20th, each lasting up to one thrilling hour! It's a chance to connect, learn, and dive deep into the world of textile waste and Extended Producer Responsibility. These hot dates will be recorded and edited into amazing reels for the world to see! On these steamy dates, you'll experience:

Introduction meeting:

•   Get the lowdown on the project and let's set the stage for this incredible journey!

Date 1: Up to an hour - Get to know your date.

• The couple asks pre-written “typical dates questions” to each other.
• Share your worst date outfit, which you will be asked to wear before the date.

Ask all those typical date questions and discover the fascinating stories behind your partner's fashion journey. But wait, there's more! Share your worst date outfit that you'll be asked to wear before the date. It's all about embracing the awkward and making fashion confessions!

Date 2: Up to an hour - Activity Date

• The couple upcycles their worst date outfit. An activity designed by the upcycler*.

Time to roll up those fashionable sleeves! You and your date will embark on a thrilling upcycling adventure. Transform your worst date outfit into your best date outfit, all while championing sustainability. Show off your creative genius! *Upcyclers, we will contact you separately to make sure you have all you need to make magic!

Date 3: Up to an hour - Double date

• Join and chat about the process and what they have learned with the other set of dates.
• You are asked to show your upcycled outfit: your new ‘best date outfit.’

It's time to bring the party together! Join forces with another set of dates and engage in an epic conversation about the process, what you've learned, and the incredible transformations you've achieved. Prepare to unveil your upcycled masterpiece: your new 'best date outfit'!  

Participant Compensation: And hey, we want to show our appreciation for your fabulous time and contributions. We offer a generous $25 per hour for your invaluable presence and input. But wait, upcyclers, there's a bonus for you! Design the upcycling activity for 'date 2,’ and we'll slide an extra $50 your way.

How to sign up: If you're excited to be part of a project that sparks meaningful discussions, encourages idea sharing, and ignites inspiration, then we'd absolutely love to hear from you! This is your chance to make a real impact! Ready to jump on this exciting opportunity? Apply through the link below! We are currently matching 4 participants, so if you don’t get matched this time around, keep your fashionable head up and know that there’s plenty of fish in the landfill!

Apply by completing the Google Form.

The Or Foundation

Stop Waste Colonialism

Too much clothing. Not enough Justice.

Too often a consumer. So rarely a human.

It is time to recover. You are invited.

Based in both Ghana and the USA, The Or Foundation operates at the intersection of environmental justice, education and fashion development. The emphasis of our work is to catalyze a Justice-led Circular Economy in Accra, home to Kantamanto Market. Every week Kantamanto sees 15 million secondhand garments.  

Make Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Globally Accountable

The current state of fashion as described above is rooted in non-reciprocal methods of exchange. Clothing travels one-way spatially -- the North exports to the South. Responsibility travels one-way as well -- the North offloads responsibility onto the South. The colonial legacy of the secondhand clothing trade is easily identifiable from a material standpoint.

The Or Foundation is currently fighting to Stop Waste Colonialism becoming part of European law, to support communities like Kantamanto. Take responsibility and fight with us for global justice in fashion by signing the petition paper here