Author Archives: Social Alterations

Happy 2014, friends!

Happy New Year 2014

2013 saw garment workers and the social, cultural, political and environmental impacts of fast fashion supply chains gain increased media attention in light of such industrial tragedies as Rana Plaza.

Here’s hoping 2014 can keep up the momentum, without help from another disaster.

As we look back on the year and reflect, we thought to share our own top lessons and stories.

Top three lessons //

  1. [Lesson 4] Corporate Social Responsibility
  2. SAGE: The Social Alterations Google Earth Module
  3. Mitumba: Mapping the Journey, by Maughan Pearce [Higher Learning Activity]

Top three posts //

  1. Sneaky Business // Oxfam Australia organizes virtual protest to support the rights of footwear workers
  2. A closer look into Gap Inc.’s new Clean Water Program
  3. Resources // NPR’s Planet Money Makes a ‘Simple’ T-shirt

We’re pretty excited for 2014, and are looking forward to learning with you.

In Solidarity, from Edinburgh and Hong Kong,

Mary and Nadira

Wow…Social Alterations turns 4!

 

Friends and Colleagues,

 

It’s hard to believe that Social Alterations has been around for 4 years today!

You’ve welcomed us into your classrooms, studios, homes and workspaces – thank you for your attention and support, driving these important conversations toward meaningful change.

What can we say? Here’s to another 4!

 

Mary and Nadira, May 12, 2013

 

 

 

Happy New Year!

 

 

It’s hard to believe 2012 has come to a close. After another year of learning and sharing, we’d like to thank you for your continued support.

In 2012 we welcomed Maughan Pearce to our team and launched the SAGE module with some help from Google.

Here’s a look back at our top 10 posts of 2012:

  1. SAGE: The Social Alterations Google Earth Module
  2. UPDATE II // The NICE consumer project
  3. Corruption…what corruption? Transparency International breaks it down
  4. LEARN // Human Trafficking and Slavery: Short online course for supply chain transparency
  5. Fashion Futures 2025: Global scenarios for a sustainable fashion industry
  6. Fashion + Sustainability: Lines of Research, Fashion Projects
  7. Connect // Key Players Directory
  8. Killer Jeans: Sandblasting continues…
  9. GET INVOLVED // A framework for sustainable consumption
  10. The Fair Wear Formula

What will 2013 bring? Our money’s on change! So here’s to another year of learning and sharing! Wishing you a wonderful 2013!

 

In Solidarity,

 

M & N

 

Social Alterations to present at ECO Fashion Week Vancouver: Oct. 19

 

 

Will you be in Vancouver, Canada, on October 19th?

Mary will be speaking at ECO Fashion Week this season, alongside Tara Sawatsky (Canopy), Martin Hojsik (Greenpeace International), Carly Stojsic (WGSN), Myriam Laroche (Eco Fashion Week), Katharine Shipley (Our Social Fabric), Mark Sklazeski (SustainU), and Melissa Ferreira (Adhesif Clothing).

 

When/Where?

  • 2:00pm @ Robson Square

Topics?

  • Textiles and Manufacturing
  • Labour and Manufacturing
  • Industry Trends
  • Consumer Behaviour and Awareness
  • Recycling and Upcycling

Click here for more information on the SMART TALK line-up.

The seminars are free, but you’ll need to register in advance to hold your place (limited seating).

If you’ll be there, please make sure to introduce yourself and say to Mary!

EFW Season 5 runs from Oct. 15 to 19th, click here to view the entire event details and schedule.

Welcome to the lab…

Social Alterations is a learning hub for responsible fashion. In the lab you’ll find lesson plans, activities, workshops, games, etc., all for… free! What’s the catch?

Well, if you want to learn with us, you’ve got to get serious about the social and ecological impacts of the fashion industry. Our education modules will do more than get you started, they’ll motivate you to inspire change.

 

LEARNING RESOURCES

TEACHING RESOURCES

 

 The #GET Stage

 The #MAKE Stage

 The #BUY Stage

The #TOSS Stage

Lesson 1:

Sifting Through the ‘Ecofashion’ Lexicon

  

Lesson 2:

Key Players

Lesson 3:

Global Governance and the Corporation

Lesson 4:

Corporate Social Responsibility

  

Fashion High:

Understanding the Impact of your Clothing

[Pre-16 Workshop]

  
 

Fibre Analysis:

Possible Social and Environmental Impacts