Sustainability Pulse #71
Sustainability Trends & News Worth Exploring — Sept 21st, 2023
Hey there, sustainability lovers!
Are you keeping tabs on what your clothes do to your wardrobe, skin, and environment? This issue of the newsletter dives deep into this and so much more, with headlines that range from cautionary tales to revolutionary strides in the industry.
First off, have you got eczema or just sensitive skin? Alden Wicker, a voice to reckon within sustainable fashion, is laying down the rules on what not to wear to keep your skin happy and healthy. And talking about health, did you know that many consumer chemicals still need toxicity testing? It's scary, and you might wanna look into that.
The fashion scene is buzzing with a mix of the thrilling and the controversial. On the one hand, you've got innovative rental services offering elite ravers and bougie burners some dazzling attire without the glint of a high price tag. On the other, there's a deep dive into the grim reality of slave labor in the fashion industry, a topic we can't ignore.
But it's not all grim; the sustainable fashion week is here to show that eco-friendly can also be uber-stylish. And technology is stepping in to turn the fashion industry green, with AI predicting not just the trends but also helping to cut down on waste.
As we gear up for a more conscious fashion era, it's exciting to see scientists developing fabric made from bacteria and waste.
Yes, you read that right! Even big names like H&M are getting in on this revolutionary fabric.
We round up with a side note, a whistleblower's account from McKinsey, because who doesn't love a bit of corporate drama?
It's a jam-packed issue, with stories that invite you to explore, question, and redefine your fashion journey.
Dive in, explore, and let's chat fashion, but make it conscious and curious!
An Expert in Toxic Fashion Tells Us What (Not) to Wear If You Have Eczema – Alden Wicker
Our clothes touch our skin the most but are often forgotten as a cause of skin irritation. Alden Wicker is an independent journalist and founder of EcoCult, a website on sustainable fashion. She's the author of "To Dye For: How Toxic Fashion Is Making Us Sick — and How We can Fight Back."
The Styling Service Outfitting Bougie Burners and Elite Ravers
You can rent items ranging from $5 to $360, including custom-made designer headpieces. Buying a full outfit with a handmade headpiece by a local designer can cost over $4,000, but renting it for a week would be a maximum of a few hundred dollars.
In our blood: how the US allowed toxic chemicals to seep into our lives
Experts say that the majority of the 86,000 consumer chemicals registered with the Environmental Protection Agency have never received vigorous toxicity testing
• This article is co-published with the Examination, a new non-profit newsroom specializing in global health reporting
Fabricating Change:
As fashion month kicks off in New York, Atmos presents a series of stories examining the opportunities and challenges facing an industry urgently needing to reduce its textile waste.
Why fashion needs investigative journalism
If we are to overcome greenwashing and enlighten consumers, good reporting matters
Your Favorite Fashion Brand Is Using Slave Labor. Wake Up! | Opinion
In August, Bloomberg reported what we at the Human Rights Foundation already knew: The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was sending in bots to attack our award-winning Uyghur Forced Labor Checker to deter you from downloading it and discovering the truth behind where your clothes are made and, more importantly, who makes them.
Reptile Skins: Designer Handbags Under Scrutiny, The Nancy Gonzalez Case
Luxury handbags have an irresistible allure in the world of fashion and celebrity. A Colombian designer, Nancy Teresa Gonzalez de Barber created exquisite purses that adorned the arms of A-list celebrities like Britney Spears, Salma Hayek, and Victoria Beckham. These handbags were sold in high-end department stores and even appeared on HBO's "Sex in the City."
The rebels of fast fashion and the cult of the new: Sustainable Fashion Week kicks off with a revolutionary style on the runway
In celebration of sustainable garments and featuring Bristol's finest second-hand sellers and designers, the SPARKS runway is set to prove that sustainable can be as couture as high-end designer.
FASHIONING A GREENER FUTURE: HOW AI CAN REVOLUTIONIZE SUSTAINABLE FASHION
The fashion industry is at a crossroads in an era marked by environmental consciousness and ethical consumption.
The demand for sustainable fashion is rising, driven by consumers seeking eco-friendly alternatives and transparency in the supply chain. Enter artificial intelligence (AI), a technology rapidly reshaping the fashion landscape. This article will explore how AI is poised to transform sustainable fashion, offering innovative solutions to minimize waste, reduce carbon footprints, and meet the growing demand for ethical clothing.
AI predicts the future of fashion
Fashion brands worldwide are embracing AI to improve business and consumer experience. True Fit, a leading AI platform for determining size and fit, partnered with Shopify to help smaller fashion retailers solve customers' fit issues.
Apparel Footwear and Leather Goods AFL Testing Inspection and Certification TIC Market, 2023-2030: Sustainable Fashion Trends Drive Demand for Certification Services
Key Features of the Study
The report provides an in-depth analysis of the Global AFL TIC market size and compound annual growth rate (CAGR%) for the forecast period (2023-2030).
It explores potential revenue opportunities across different segments and provides investment proposition matrices for the market.
The study covers market drivers, restraints, opportunities, new product launches, regional outlook, and competitive strategies adopted by leading players.
Leading players profiled in the report include Intertek Group plc., Bureau Veritas SA, TUV Rheinland Group, SGS S.A., Underwriters Laboratories Inc., TUV SUD, CTC Groupe, Eurofins Scientific, QIMA, and Hohenstein.
Dior's Maria Grazia Chiuri on bridging feminism and fashion: 'The male gaze is seen as the perspective that matters'
Feminist slogans on T-shirts are all very well, but has the creative director of the venerable French house really rewritten the rules of women's fashion?
Hermès, Birkin Bags, and NFT Scandal: A Tale of Luxury, Legacy, and Legal Battles
Luxury fashion house Hermès, renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and timeless elegance, has been a symbol of elegance and exclusivity for decades. However, its journey from a family-owned company to a global luxury brand has been marked by innovation, creativity, and even legal controversies. In this article, we delve into the history of Hermès, the rise of the legendary Birkin bags, and the intriguing NFT scandal that captivated the fashion world.
A new dawn for fast fashion? Shein and Forever21 team up
The controversial brands have signed a deal meaning both are likely to be even more popular, amidst climate change criticism.
Two giants of the fast fashion world have announced a "strategic partnership", striking fear into the hearts of climate warriors.
Why Are Billions Of Clothes Never Even Sold?
It is estimated that approximately 150 billion garments are produced annually in the fashion industry, resulting in excessive clothes. However, did you know that a significant portion of these garments, ranging from 15 to 45 billion pieces, is never sold? This information is based on a report.
SUSTAINABLE FASHION CREATOR RECOUNTS TIME SHE GOT A CARPET BEETLE INFESTATION FROM AN UNWASHED THRIFTED SWEATER: 'JUST DON'T DO IT'
Thrifting can be an exhilarating experience, especially when you finally find that perfect piece you've been searching for. However, it's important to be cautious before trying it on without properly sanitizing it. One creator and dedicated thrifter strongly urges people to take appropriate measures to prevent potential health risks.
Sustainable fashion's next frontier: Fabric made from bacteria, waste, and carbon
Scientists are developing eco-friendly textiles to reduce the fashion industry's dependence on resource-intensive cotton and plastic-filled polyester. Benefits include cutting greenhouse gas emissions and slowing deforestation. Brands like Lululemon and H&M are already investing in eco-friendly materials, which they see as the future of textile innovation. These new materials could hit shelves within 3-5 years.
Confessions of a McKinsey Whistleblower
It's not a fashion-related story, but it's worth sharing in our most powerful consulting firm's soul-crushing, morally bankrupt, top-secret world.
Vera
I really hope you're enjoying The Sustainability Pulse, my weekly newsletter looking at sustainability in the fashion industry. If you find the tips and insights useful, please share these articles to help spread the word.