Reduce

Made-by updates fibre benchmark to reflect current research

August 3, 2011
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Made-by updates fibre benchmark to reflect current research

The Made-by  Environmental Benchmark for Fibres has been updated to reflect new research. The benchmark considers six categories: greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) until spinning, human toxicity, ecological toxicity, energy and water input and land use (Made-by). “In response to feedback we have included new fibres in this updated Benchmark; mechanically and chemically recycled polyesters are now differentiated to represent the different environmental impacts of the recycling technologies used, and recycled wool has been added in Class A. Whilst we are keeping an eye on this area, there have been no new studies made publically available to help us review...

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United Nations celebrates World Environment Day

June 5, 2011
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United Nations celebrates World Environment Day

“To sustainably reduce poverty, guarantee food and nutrition security and provide decent employment for growing populations, we must make the most intelligent use of our natural capital.” (UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon) Achim Steiner UNEP Executive Director from UNEP on Vimeo. WED Challenge behind the scene from UNEP on Vimeo. Happy World Environment Day! Environmental security is a human right! What can you do? Get involved and register your activity or pledge an action here. One of the best ways to take action is to spread the word! Educators, there are a ton of resources over on the United Nations...

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VOICES // Sourcing Change — Charlie Ross, Offset Warehouse

April 12, 2011
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VOICES // Sourcing Change — Charlie Ross, Offset Warehouse

This post was written by Charlie Ross, Founder of Offset Warehouse and tells the story of one woman’s determination and drive for change. VOICES // a feature space on SA where community members are invited to share their journey in responsible design. What’s your story? The first time ethical design came onto my radar was whilst I was studying for my BA in Fashion and it immediately struck a chord. Inspired by a friend to find out more about the social and environmental horrors underlying much of the fashion industry, I made an early decision to do everything I could...

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Dr. Andrew Weaver presents ‘Global Warming: The Scale of the Problem, the Path to the Solution’ // ECO Fashion Week Vancouver

November 1, 2010
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Dr. Andrew Weaver presents ‘Global Warming: The Scale of the Problem, the Path to the Solution’ // ECO Fashion Week Vancouver

ECO Fashion Week Vancouver, September 29th, 2010 // Day two: Dr. Andrew Weaver Dr. Andrew Weaver – Global Warming: The Scale of the Problem, the Path to the Solution   BIO// Dr. Weaver is Professor and Canada Research Chair in climate modelling and analysis in the School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, UVic. He was a Lead Author in the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2nd, 3rd and 4th scientific assessments and is a Lead Author in the 5th Assessment. He was the Chief Editor of the Journal of Climate from 2005-2009. Weaver is a Fellow...

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Carly Stojsic presents ‘Eco as Movement, Not Trend’ // ECO Fashion Week Vancouver

November 1, 2010
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Carly Stojsic presents ‘Eco as Movement, Not Trend’ // ECO Fashion Week Vancouver

ECO Fashion Week Vancouver, September 28th, 2010 // Day one: Carly Stojsic, WGSN. Carly Stojsic – Eco as Movement, Not Trend BIO // Carly Stojsic is Canada’s Market Editor for Worth Global Style Network and is a freelance trend forecaster for an array of clients. She joined WGSN, the world’s leading online service for global trend analysis, as a Market Editor in December 2007. Her extensive background in sourcing, trend forecasting and as a color specialist greatly augments WGSN’s customized consultancy services in creative intelligence. Click here to read more NOTES // WGSN predicts fashion internationally… based on their...

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WATCH//Mitumba: The Second Hand Road

June 28, 2010
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What happens to your clothes after you donate them?  Witness, a documentary program on Al-Jazeera English, played this episode (43 minutes) exploring the journey of a single t-shirt from Northern Germany all the way to Africa’s mitumba market.   This is a fascinating look into the easily forgotten part of the apparel supply chain. If you’re looking for further information on this aspect of a garment’s lifecycle, I strongly suggest reading Pietra Rivoli‘s The Travels of a T-Shirt in the Global Economy: An Economist Examines the Markets, Power, and Politics of World Trade.

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VIDEO//Parsons School of Fashion sits down with Mary Hanlon to talk Social Alterations and Responsible Design

April 27, 2010
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VIDEO//Parsons School of Fashion sits down with Mary Hanlon to talk Social Alterations and Responsible Design

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of sitting down with Tamara Albu, Director of the A.A.S. Fashion Design Program at Parsons School of Fashion in New York to discuss Social Alterations, and the work we’ve been doing in developing free, open-source curricula for students and educators. Tamara asked me to sit down with her more formally and explain the project so that students and faculty at Parsons might get to know who we are and the work that we are doing.   Speaking with Tamara in this virtual space was a complete honour, and I am...

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FASHION EVOLUTION

April 13, 2010
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FASHION EVOLUTION

Our friends over at Re-dress in Ireland have been BUSY! In less than one month, Re-dress will present FASHION EVOLUTION, Ireland’s 3rd ethical fashion week: “Fashion Evolution aims to re-vitalise the spirit of the Irish fashion industry, with a schedule of exciting events catering for consumers, producers, retailers and supporters of fashion alike.” (Re-dress) “Our mission is to provide the Irish fashion sector with the tools needed to make more sustainable fashion choices.” (Re-dress) We don’t think they’ll have any trouble accomplishing this goal–just take a look at what they have planned! What: Re-dress ETHICAL FASHION CALENDAR LAUNCH When:...

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Bring David Suzuki to Work

March 22, 2010
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Bring David Suzuki to Work

The David Suzuki Foundation has launched a FREE downloadable toolkit to help businesses and organizations tread a little more lightly on the planet.   “Work life isn’t just about punching a clock with a bunch of strangers. Smart employers know that their people are happiest and most productive when workplace culture matches their personal values. Companies who are in it for the long run know that reducing waste and increasing efficiency makes them more profitable and competitive.” (David Suzuki) Here’s the pitch: Does this sound like you? You care about the environment and want to see more done at...

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Organic Exchange/MADE-BY: ‘The Case for Sustainable Fashion’

March 21, 2010
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Organic Exchange/MADE-BY: ‘The Case for Sustainable Fashion’

“MADE-BY and Organic Exchange is delighted to invite you to a unique 2-day intensive seminar on sustainable fashion (clothing and textile) in Stockholm! This seminar is the perfect opportunity to assist textile and apparel professionals working in brands and retailers to come up to speed on changes and opportunities in the supply chain. Speakers and several important topics covered include: • Environmentally Friendly Fabrics – Understand the Definition, Sourcing and Production Issues, • A Discussion on Recycled Materials – Polyester and Nylon, • Responsible Processing – The Good The Bad & The Ugly of Dyeing and Finishing Industry, •...

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