Sustainability Pulse #83
Sustainability Trends & News Worth Exploring — May 5th , 2024
Hey there!
Patagonia's latest film challenges our consumer habits, urging us to reconsider our purchases. Dive into this week's newsletter to explore how we can embrace sustainability and make conscious choices, all while staying stylish.
From innovative materials to the fight against forced labor, I've got a lot to cover. Let's delve in!
Patagonia wants you to stop buying crap
A new film from the clothing company underscores our mass consumption problem—while subtly marketing its clothes.
THE (UN-)BLEEDING EDGE: INTRODUCING MATERIAL INNOVATION'S NEW GUARD
Marine Biodegradation Behavior of Wool and Other Textile Fibers
The study discusses microplastic pollution caused by synthetic fibers released during clothing laundering. A study simulated a marine environment to examine wool and synthetic fibers' biodegradation and found that wool, especially treated machine-washable wool, biodegrades more efficiently than synthetic fibers. Using biodegradable materials like wool could reduce microplastic pollution.
European Parliament Votes Overwhelmingly to Ban Forced Labour
In a landmark decision today, the European Parliament has taken a strong stand against forced labour by passing a crucial vote aimed at eradicating this severe human rights violation both within its borders and globally. The vote, which saw an impressive tally of 555 in favor, 6 against, and 45 abstentions, is a significant stride in the fight against labor exploitation worldwide.
As Myanmar unions demand sanctions, garment workers fear for their jobs
Trade unions want foreign fashion firms and governments to sever trade ties to pressure the military, but some workers are worried about losing their jobs
How Students Embrace Eco-Friendly Fashion Choices
In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the environmental impact of the fashion industry. From water pollution caused by textile dyes to unethical labor practices and excessive waste, the dark side of fast fashion has become impossible to ignore. As a result, a new generation of conscious consumers has emerged, demanding more eco-friendly and sustainable fashion choices.
Will Americans Ever Get Sick of Cheap Junk?
We're nowhere near peak stuff.
Fashion's textile recycling problem? It doesn't exist
Textile recycling trade associations say the industry is on the brink of collapse, but critics say it never existed to begin with. Beyond the noise, is there an opportunity for change?
Three 'must do' for a sustainable CEO. Interview with Livia Firth.
Can you do business well and make some good for your company's bottom line, your employees, and the community you are in? Can you chase profits and thrive while benefiting the planet from your offer in terms of products and services? Can a CEO be sustainable at all?
Comment: Our over-reliance on plastic has created a toxic crisis. It's time to act
Daunting headlines about long Covid, climate change and obesity confront us daily, but we're missing a thread that connects them all and makes each of these chronic conditions worse: our extraordinary overreliance on plastic. The chemicals that make plastics so miraculous – strength, flexibility, an ability to hold ink or repel grease – are at core all too often incompatible with life.
Boll & Branch lets you trace the origins of your bedding from seed to sheet
The bedding company is making it easier for customers to know where their sheets come from.
"Soil is where it starts": Arizona Muse on regenerative agriculture in beauty
And why it's integral to sustainability
49% of used textiles end up in residual waste, WRAP report finds
We all buy too many new items and then put too many clothes in the waste bin, consigning them to landfills or incineration.
Emma Chamberlain is Taking a Break From Shopping
She also weighed in on the underwear trend.
The Overconsumption Problem
With 2,150 pieces of clothing thrown out every second, Isabel B. Slone asks "Can we ever rid ourselves of the desire to constantly acquire new things?"
SKIMS Sued for Allegedly Enabling Meta to "Spy on" Website Users
SKIMS may be on the hook for upwards of $5 million in damages for allegedly enabling Facebook and Instagram's parent company to "spy on" consumers' activity when using the SKIMS website.
MEPs call for tougher EU rules to reduce textiles and food waste
More ambitious 2030 targets to reduce food waste
Producers to have greater responsibility for textile products, clothing and footwear
60 million tonnes of food waste and 12.6 million tonnes of textile waste are generated annually in the EU
Less than 1% of all textiles worldwide are recycled into new products
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.