Sustainability Pulse #20
Sustainability Trends & News Worth Exploring — January 9th, 2022
New York Could Make History With a Fashion Sustainability Act
The state would be the first to pass legislation setting broad sustainability regulations for the industry.
On Friday, the Fashion Sustainability and Social Accountability Act (or Fashion Act) was unveiled: a bill that, if passed, would make New York the first state in the country to pass legislation that will effectively hold the biggest brands in fashion to account for their role in climate change.
Sponsored by State Senator Alessandra Biaggi and Assemblywoman Anna R. Kelles, and backed by a powerful coalition of nonprofits focused on fashion and sustainability, including the New Standard Institute, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance, as well as the designer Stella McCartney, the law will apply to global apparel and footwear companies, with more than $100 million in revenues, doing business in New York.
Two Women Lawmakers Attempt to Hold Fashion Brands Accountable for Contributions to Climate Change
As we believe it affects many parties, staying on the same topic with the following headline is a significant step towards a better environment and accountability.
State Senator Alessandra Biaggi and Assemblywoman Anna R. Kelles introduced the Fashion Sustainability and Social Accountability Act(Fashion Act) on Friday morning.
If passed, the proposed legislation, which is expected to come to a vote this spring, would make New York the first state in the country to hold fashion brands accountable for their roughly 2.1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions—about 4 per cent of the global total, according to McKinsey research reports. According to researchers, fashion brands are currently producing nearly twice the amount of clothing today compared to 2000. Much of that textile waste is incinerated, discarded in landfills, or exported to developing countries.
In an historic vote, Italy to ban fur farming and shut down all mink farms within six months
Humane Society International in Italy hails ‘an historic victory’
ROME—The Budget Committee of the Italian Senate today voted to approve a modified version of an amendment to the budget law, seeing the country’s 10 remaining mink fur farms closed within six months and a permanent ban on fur farming throughout Italy.
The vote follows discussions with animal protection organisation Humane Society International/Europe which presented practical, strategic solutions to close and convert fur farms into alternative, humane and sustainable businesses in its recent report “Mink breeding in Italy: Mapping and future perspectives.“ Although the decision requires final approval by the Parliament, this is expected to go through, making Italy the 16th country in Europe to ban fur farming. Many Italian designers have already gone fur-free, including Valentino, Armani, GUCCI, Prada and Versace.
2022 fashion-tech predictions
Digital influencers, virtual real estate and VIP access will be breakout themes, as stores, personalisation and AR continue evolving.
This year, digital-first creatives will make up a new generation of influencers, brands will ramp up metaverse partnerships that emphasise co-creation and digital-first designs will influence physical goods.
Some brands have gotten in early. Tommy Hilfiger tapped eight native Roblox designers to create 30 digital fashion items based on the brands own pieces. Forever 21, working with metaverse creation agency Virtual Brand Group, opened a “Shop City” in which Roblox influencers create and manage their own stores, competing against each other. As new merchandise lands in the physical world, the same pieces will become available virtually.
Personalisation powers emotional connections with fashion consumers
Convenience is no longer a competitive advantage for fashion retailers online. The only real way to stand out is by fostering an emotional connection - and personalisation is the key.
“Fashion is about feeling good when you’re making that purchase,” says Ivan Mazour, CEO and founder of Ometria, a customer data and marketing platform that powers the marketing of hundreds of retailers. “You paint a picture in your own mind about the person you will be once you’re wearing that item of clothing. That is the competitive landscape for fashion retailers today. It’s no longer about being able to create a product or supply a product. It’s about being able to create an experience, a memory and a future vision of the individual.
Why Fashion Brands Say They Are Doubling Down on Sustainability
Is the industry really doing enough to slow the environmental damage that flows from its products?
For luxury executives such as Kering Chief Executive Officer François Henri-Pinault, 2020 was when the industry forever changed. Amid the arrival of the coronavirus, companies such as his suffered their worst year on record. Consumer behaviour shifted even faster from brick-and-mortar to online as supply chains were disrupted.
How telecoms can help the U.N. meet sustainable development goals
The telecoms industry has a key role to play in achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Merging sustainability and telecoms
At the heart of “Agenda 2030” are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which clearly define the world we want, applying to all nations and leaving no one behind. The Global Goals are the result of a process that has been more inclusive than ever, with Governments involving business, civil society and citizens from the outset. As a result, we agree on where the world needs to go.
Green Job Board
Group Manager- Business Development -The Real Real
Location: New York City, NY
Valuation Manager, Fine Jewelry & Watches- The Real Real
Location: New York, NY
Sustainability Consultant (Remote)-Claire Myers Consulting
Leader of People Experience- Patagonia
Location: New York, NY
Managing Editor - The Responsible Business- Patagonia
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