Sustainability Pulse #16
Sustainability Trends & News Worth Exploring — December 5, 2021
Meet the fashion editor, pig farmer and aircraft engineer who quit to fight the climate crisis
Millions of people go to work in high-polluting industries every day. But at what point does consciousness about climate change collides with your role in driving it? These workers share why they quit their jobs over the crisis.
New study links major fashion brands to Amazon deforestation
New research into the fashion industry's complex global supply chains shows that a number of large fashion brands are at risk of contributing to deforestation in the Amazon rainforest, based on their connections to tanneries and other companies involved in the production of leather and leather goods.
The Hidden Psychological Dangers of Fast-Fashion
It has been shown that when bargain shopping, our neurotransmitter activity is altered. For example, when purchasing that soft, beige cashmere sweater for 70% off its original retail pricing, the reward pathways in the brain are active, and dopamine is released. Dopamine is a feel-good neurotransmitter associated with the development of all addictive behavior – including smoking, drugs and caffeine.
Black Friday reminds us that Americans are addicted to buying things.
This week, a quick Google search showcased many dire warnings that this Black Friday would be one of the worst ever. The supply chain, you see, is all a mess. And the snags up and down the chain are, in turn, messing with that most American of pastimes: buying stuff.
Why you might be happier if you don't buy anything in Cyber Week
Decisions about dollars are complicated. "The consumer dilemma is the idea that the planet clearly needs us to reduce our consumption, but our economy needs us to consume more and more every year," said James MacKinnon, author of "The Day the World Stops Shopping: How Ending Consumerism Saves the Environment and Ourselves."
Ten innovators shaping the future of our culture
The last decade has seen massive culture, music, and technology changes. Social media has changed how we communicate, progressive social movements have changed how we think, new music has changed how we move, and a global pandemic has changed how we work and live.
The New Fashion Entrepreneur: What Leadership in Fashion Must Look Like for the Next Generation
More than simply a response to the altruistic call of social responsibility, the participation of entrepreneurs in the burgeoning sustainable fashion industry is also, at the bottom line, a wise business decision. Climate change and social strife are existential dangers. Because of that, substantial business risks currently have—and will continue to have—a direct negative impact on every sector within the fashion industry.
Welcome to luxury fashion resale: Discerning customers beckon to brands
Intrigued customers breathe fresh life into the luxury apparel market, with a growing appreciation for pre-owned accessories and clothing. For most, brand involvement in resale is a plus: but can their enthusiasm bring the high-profile labels on board?
How online marketplaces are making secondhand fashion a first choice
Online resale marketplaces are turning secondhand fashion into a mainstream market. Maximilian Bittner, CEO of Vestiaire Collective, thinks growing interest in sustainability will further fuel the category.
Soaring Demand for Off-White Puts Resale Sites in a Bind
After the death of Virgil Abloh, demand for his designs has soared on resale platforms, which risk being seen as enabling profiteering.
Prada considering entry into the resale market
Prada is weighing up partnerships with resale platforms amid the rise in luxury fashion houses joining the secondhand market, marketing chief and heir designate Lorenzo Bertelli told Reuters.
The market for pre-owned chic bags and clothes has surged over the last three years, driven by younger, more environmentally conscious shoppers looking for affordable high-end goods.
Cop26 has failed to make people plan a greener Christmas (among many things)
Despite most of the nation indicating they care about climate and environmental issues, almost half the country has said that the matters raised in COP26 haven't made them want to plan a more environmentally-conscious Christmas.
Californian firm touts 'mushroom leather' as sustainability gamechanger
Vegan alternatives to leather could save more than just animals. The scientists behind fashion's latest must-have – the "mushroom leather" handbag – believe that mycelium, a material grown from fungi that can be engineered to look and feel like calfskin or sheepskin, could help save the planet.
Sustainable materials make a play for the vegan leather market
Leather is a maker's dream material. It cuts well; it holds a stitch; it can be dyed, stamped, or tooled; it's warm but breathable; it's strong but flexible. But it has a heavy environmental footprint. For example, modern tanning uses chromium salts to cross-link collagen fibres, creating large quantities of wastewater. And, of course, the hides mostly come from the meat and dairy industry, which many people consider environmentally unsustainable.
Green Job Board
Social Media Manager - Sustainable Apparel Brand
Location: New York, NY
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Sustainability Social Media Associate
Location: Los Angeles, USA
Sourcing Journal: Staff Writer
Location: Midtown Manhattan or West Los Angeles.
Retail/Resale Fashion Consultant Sales/Customer Service
Location: Austin, Texas, USA
Thank you, as always, for being with us!