New York - Earth Day is celebrated more than just once a year at a middle school in Washington Heights, New York City, where students combine a love of environmentalism with a passion for fashion.

The fifteen members of The Children’s Aid Society MS 324 community school’s Eco-Fashion and Green Design Club have proven that recycling can literally be fashionable, by turning MetroCards, trash bags and newspapers into stylish, attractive garments.

These young ladies (ages 10 - 13) have a lot to say about the environment and fashion and the future of both. They enthusiastically collaborate on designing, producing, modeling and presenting their creations, which were a hit at Children’s Aid Society’s recent Art Show at the National Arts Club. The students strutted their stuff and wowed the crowd with their creativity and collection of well-constructed cocktail dresses.

What began in January 2009 as a way to encourage eco-conscious values among public community school students in The Children’s Aid Society’s after-school programs has blossomed into a fashionable way to explore sustainability, environmentalism and social responsibility.

Photos of students modeling their creations available upon request.

The Children’s Aid Society is an independent, not-for-profit organization established to serve the children of New York City. Our mission is to provide comprehensive support for children in need, from birth to young adulthood, and for their families, to fill the gaps between what children have and what they need to thrive. Founded in 1853, it is one of the nation’s largest and most innovative non-sectarian agencies, serving New York’s neediest children. Services are provided in community schools, neighborhood centers, health clinics and camps. For additional information, please call 212-949-4938, email ellenl@childrensaidsociety.org, or visit www.childrensaidsociety.org.