In this episode of our Wear More, Waste Less series, we dive into garment care, stain removal, and easy mending. Learn how to get the maximum lifespan out of your clothes so you can save money and reduce textile waste in landfills.

Resources:

Apparel Production: https://fcs.mgcafe.uky.edu/publications/clothing-and-textiles

Basic Repair: https://4h.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2022/08/Activity-10.pdf

Darning: https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1372&context=extension_fact

Stains: https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Quick-Stain-Removal-Guide.pdf

Stains: https://www.johnson.k-state.edu/programs/home-family/clothing-and-textiles/stain-removal/

https://www.uaex.uada.edu/media-resources/news/2025/july/07-29-2025-ark-overconsumption.aspx

https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/cooperative-extension/fact-sheets/fast-fashion-and-sustainability/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7616726/

https://4h.okstate.edu/site-files/projects/design-and-construction/files/curriculum-and-patterns/textiles/textiles-preserving-vintage-clothing-and-textile-products-part-2.pdf

https://pubs.nmsu.edu/_c/C313/index.html

In this episode of The Extension Connection Podcast, Jessica Jackson, Polk County Extension 4-H Agent, explores how students can begin building their future long before they start filling out college applications. We'll talk about preparing for college, scholarships, careers, and the workforce, and how real-life experiences can help students discover their strengths, build confidence, and find their path.

We'll also discuss the role of AI in today's student experience, including how young people can use it as a tool while keeping their own voice, creativity, and experiences at the center of their story.

Plus, we'll highlight the Helen Clark Blackwell Scholarship, provided by the Polk County 4-H Board, and how our community can help support students as they take their next step.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/ai-guidance-for-4-h-youth

In this podcast, join Lindsey Edwards our Family and Consumer Science agent as we take a closer look at our consumption of textiles and explore practical ways to reduce overconsumption. We discuss how extending the lifespan of clothing through proper care, repair, and continued use can help reduce textile waste while also saving money over time.

Resources: https://fcs.mgcafe.uky.edu/publications/clothing-and-textiles

https://4h.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2022/08/Activity-10.pdf

https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1372&context=extension_fact

https://www.uaex.uada.edu/media-resources/news/2025/july/07-29-2025-ark-overconsumption.aspx

https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/cooperative-extension/fact-sheets/fast-fashion-and-sustainability/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7616726/

https://extension.msstate.edu/news/feature-story/2025/recycle-reuse-reduce-textile-waste-discarded-clothing

https://recycling.ncsu.edu/2023/03/20/researchers-separate-cotton-from-polyester-in-blended-fabric/

In this episode of The Extension Connection Podcast, Jessica Jackson, Polk County 4-H Agent, explores the myth that 4-H has to be expensive. Through stories from Cooking Week, a fun grocery store budgeting challenge, and a surprisingly delicious Depression Chocolate Cake, you'll discover how 4-H teaches lifelong skills like budgeting, decision-making, confidence, and problem-solving—all without breaking the bank. Whether you're a longtime 4-H family or simply curious about getting involved, this episode will show you that some of the biggest life lessons come from the simplest experiences.

In this episode, we'll explore our local farmers markets and discuss how you can use your SNAP benefits at the Polk County Farmers Market to access fresh, locally grown foods.

Resources:

NC State Local Foods: https://localfood.ces.ncsu.edu/local-food-marketing-markets/local-food-farmers-markets/

Polk County Agricultural Economics Department: https://www.facebook.com/polkcountyfarms/

More in My Basket: https://morefood.org/

More in My Basket Phone number:

English & Português: 1-855-240-1451

Español: 1-888-382-7105