Ethical Fashion

Passionate about fashion and want to help make it more sustainable? Volunteer in Athens, Greece, and contribute to making fashion more sustainable by recycling and upcycling clothes with local non-profits that assist immigrants and survivors of human trafficking.

Join the Ethical Fashion Program in Athens, Greece! The fashion and textile industry is one of the most polluting industries globally, driven by the fast fashion model that dominates many European countries, including Greece. The relentless production pace and the shift of garment production to developing countries have led to severe exploitation and environmental degradation.

Efforts are being made within the industry to adopt more sustainable practices, such as creating collections from recycled materials, donating surplus clothing, and upcycling outdated collections. Upcycled fashion reinvents garments that would otherwise end up in landfills, giving them new life and reducing waste.

As a volunteer, you’ll work directly with local non-profits that are at the forefront of these sustainability efforts. These organizations create ethically made fashion apparel from upcycled materials, distribute repurposed clothing, and offer equal employment opportunities to refugees and survivors of human trafficking. Volunteers are needed for a range of tasks, from manual work in the sorting factory to communication support in workshops and on social media.

 

 

What to Expect:

  • Clothing Collection: Collect clothing from donation drop-off points and transport it to the sorting factory.
  • Sorting and Cleaning: Sort donated clothing into categories; clean items in good condition for donation and pass unsuitable items to the upcycling team.
  • Upcycling Support: Assist in cutting patterns and fabrics for upcycled fashion projects, and use professional sewing machines if you have the experience.
  • Packaging and Distribution: Package and seal clothing bundles for donation and help distribute them.
  • Event Facilitation: Facilitate and organize events and workshops focused on sustainable fashion.
  • Social Media and Content Creation: Support communication efforts through social media and help create content, including filmmaking, to promote sustainable fashion initiatives.

 

 

Daily Tasks:

  • Collect and Transport Clothing: Gather donations from various drop-off points and bring them to the sorting facility.
  • Sort and Clean Clothing: Categorize donated clothing and clean items suitable for donation; pass others to the upcycling team.
  • Cut Patterns and Fabrics: Assist in the upcycling process by cutting patterns and fabrics for new garments.
  • Use Sewing Machines: Operate professional sewing machines to create upcycled fashion items, depending on your skill level.
  • Package and Distribute: Prepare clothing bundles for donation and assist in their distribution.
  • Organize Workshops: Facilitate workshops and events that promote sustainable fashion practices.
  • Support Communication: Help with social media, content creation, and filmmaking to raise awareness about sustainable fashion.

 

 

Why Join?

  • Make an Impact: Contribute to reducing fashion waste and support vulnerable communities.
  • Gain Experience: Develop skills in sustainable fashion, upcycling, and social media communication.
  • Cultural Immersion: Experience the vibrant culture of Athens while making a positive difference in the fashion industry.

 

Ready to Help Make Fashion More Sustainable?

Ethical Fashion Ethical Fashion Ethical Fashion Ethical Fashion Ethical Fashion Ethical Fashion

Included

  • Airport pickup on Sundays, straight to your accommodation.
  • Stay in a socially or environmentally impactful hostel—female, male, or mixed dorms.
  • Access to a common room and free Wi-Fi!
  • Three meals a day—veggie, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options available upon request
  • Orientation on arrival: culture, volunteering, program details, and safety.
  • We’ll hook you up with an impactful non-profit project and handle the coordination.
  • Guided city tour with top tips for exploring.
  • Ongoing support throughout your stay.
  • 24/7 emergency support, just in case.
Book now

FAQ

What is the minimum age to participate in this program? 18

The minimum age to participate in this program is 18 years.

Do I have to pay money for volunteering?

You are not paying for your volunteer work itself but for your stay with us overall. The costs for your program further include various elements that are part of your stay such as your accommodation, food, transportation from the airport, guided city tour, local coordination and 24/7 support for emergencies. Check the "Included" section of the program you want to choose for complete information!

How and when do I need to pay for my volunteer program with ImpacTrip?

The payment of your volunteer program is done by bank transfer. We will kindly ask you to pay 50% of your bill at the time of your booking to secure your spot! The other 50% will be due at least one month before your arrival!

What is the accommodation like? Could I stay in a private room?

Depending on the program, in most cases, you will stay along with the other volunteers in dormitory-style rooms. Private rooms may be available at your accommodation as well for an extra cost.

Can I cook in the accommodation?

Yes, the hostel has an eqquiped kitchen where you can cook yourself with the only condition of cleaning everything used afterwards.

How much money should I bring to my program?

Once you've booked your program, be sure to reach out to your local coordinator to get the scoop on the cost of living in your destination—it can differ quite a bit! And don't forget to budget for public transportation, emergencies, airport drop-off, snacks, fun activities, and a bit of local shopping. Happy planning!

How many people will be I be volunteering with?

Depending on your program and project, you might be joined by other ImpacTrip volunteers, but usually, you’ll either be on your own or with local volunteers. It's a fantastic opportunity to connect with locals and immerse yourself in the community and its lifestyle!

In case of need, how do I get health care?

All volunteers must arrive with private health insurance that covers the costs of any health service that may arise in their program destination.
With this insurance you can be treated at any private or public medical center. The medical expenses will be paid by you and when you return to your country you will have to present all the invoices to your insurance so don't forget to budget medical emergencies.
In the case of European volunteers, to facilitate the process, it is advisable to come with your European Health Card.

Will I have time for some sight-seeing as well?

Of course! We want you to really get to know your natural and cultural surroundings and will provide you with useful tips and tricks that will help you discover the location of your stay like a local. 

Your shifts will generally last between 3 and 5 hours per day and will take place either in the morning, in the afternoon or in the evening, which will leave you with plenty of free time to go explore, take a stroll around your surroundings, catch the most important sites, interact with the locals or simply go and relax! And of course, you will have your weekends off as well!

Do I need to speak the local language?

No, you don't need to have any previous skills in the local language! All of our programs are run entirely in English and our guides and staff are all comfortable speaking English as well. However, we always encourage our participants to get acquainted with some of the most basic terms and expressions, as even just a simple "Good morning!" in the local language can be a great icebreaker to start interacting with the locals! There are also language lessons available for volunteers that can be booked before or upon arrival.

How and when do I get my volunteer certificate?

You can request your volunteer certificate to ImpacTrip or the local coordinator at the end of your program.