2,700 litres of water is the amount a person drinks in about two and a half years. The same volume of water is required to produce just one cotton t-shirt. It is estimated that the fashion industry produces more than 100 billion garments globally each year, emitting 10% of the world's total CO2 emissions.

Additionally, it is estimated that textile production is responsible for about 20% of global drinking water pollution due to various processes like dyeing and finishing and that washing synthetic garments releases 0.5 million tons of microfibers into the oceans annually. European citizens consume nearly 26 kg of textiles annually and dispose of about 11 kg.

These are the figures highlighted by M'illumino di meno, the National Day of Energy Saving and Sustainable Lifestyles, organized by Radio2 and Caterpillar. This year, it is dedicated to energy waste in the fast fashion sector and the virtuous alternatives that promote the reuse and valorization of clothing.

The 2025 edition will be more European and extra-large: from February 16 to 21, second-hand clothing, upcycling, recycling, and the art of repair will be in vogue at swap parties.

Sapienza University is participating in a series of awareness initiatives aimed at the entire community, promoted and coordinated by the Sustainability Sector of the Area Patrimonio e Sostenibilità, in collaboration with various university departments and under the patronage of RUS – the Network of Universities for Sustainable Development.

• February 16 to 21 – Wear your story. Wear a piece of clothing (preferably a coat) with a family or sentimental story to tell, take a picture, and share it on social media using the hashtags #milluminodimeno #sapienzaroma #sapienzasostenibile.

Sapienza's Mobility Manager invites the entire community to reach the university using sustainable transportation (on foot, by bicycle, public transport, or shared mobility). To contribute actively to the campaign, fill out the online form.

Sewing kits will also be distributed to students staying at the university residences at the reception of the Luca Serianni Residence, via del Castro Laurenziano 2 bis (in collaboration with MEIT MULTISERVICES SRL, the manager of the Luca Serianni Residence).

• February 18, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM – SCAMBIALO!. The student swap party is back, an event dedicated to exchanging clothes and offering a unique opportunity to reflect on the importance of recycling and reusing while adopting a more conscious approach to fashion consumption. Everyone is invited to the CIAO colonnade: you can bring up to three clean and well-preserved clothing items to exchange (jewellery, underwear, and shoes are not accepted). Sensors will also be available to identify different fabric types based on their spectral signature (in collaboration with the Department of History, Anthropology, Religions, Art, and Entertainment, and the Department of Chemical Engineering, Materials, and Environment and Humana People to People Italia)).
• February 19, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM—Sustainable Fashion: From Fast Fashion to Circular Economy. This seminar, led by Prof. Serranti from the Department of Chemical Engineering, Materials, and Environment, is open to the entire Sapienza community. It will analyze the life cycle of textile products, highlight the impact of fast fashion, and explore strategies for a more circular future. Reserve your spot to attend.
• February 20 and 21—We went out to see the stars again. Sapienza will turn off the lights of the propylons of the University City, the façade of the Rectorate, and the façade of the Faculty of Architecture of Valle Giulia (in collaboration with the Building Management Area and the Energy Manager).

The environmental costs of disposable fashion are enormous, and you can make a difference.

For more information, you can write to: sapienza.sostenibile@uniroma1.it or consult the official website of M'illumino di meno 2025.