As a researcher, writer and blogger, her area of expertise is eco fashion, in all of its different expressions, from slow design and heritage craft skills to recycle, reuse and new business models. This woman is a thought leader, a dynamo and yes – sassy in all the ways that matter. Can you top this? Sass was also voted in the top 10 Women Who Changed the Face of Fashion by Fashion Compassion. Join us to learn just how filthy the fashion industry is and why and then, of course, why we can’t dwell on that but rather on all of the great things happening in the world of fashion as we speak. I like to call it “inform and delight!” This show made possible due to the generous support of The Fairfax Companies.
INSIGHTS
- What is EcoFashion? EcoFashion is the response to our current destructive system of clothing production (fast fashion). Instead of natural resource and energy intensive processes, EcoFashion focuses on energy efficiency and improving the processes in which clothing is made.
- ‘The hidden price tag’ is not the price we pay at the register for a cheap piece of clothing, but it’s the price another human pays and what the planet pays for its manufacture. Sass says $5 T-shirts and other extremely cheap items cannot be made with good conscious taking care of people and planet at that price, something has to suffer.
- From the raw materials, to the transportation of garments, the textile industry is extremely energy intensive.
- Textile and garment production accounts for the 2nd global user of water, this is not surprising after considering that the water footprint for a shirt is huge, 2-3,000 liters are needed for just one T-shirt!
- Our rate of production and consumption of clothing cannot be sustained simply because our natural resources are not finite. Sass stresses that we need a culture shift, one where we can reconnect with what our clothing really means to us and reinvest in it.
- Alternatives to fast fashion are not all expensive; second hand shopping, clothes exchange parties, and even H&M are some cheap alternatives!
- Listen to the full podcast to find out more about why we need to rethink our clothing, how Sass is influencing the Eco Fashion industry, and how clothing can be made better!
GET INFORMED!
GET ACTIVE!
- Learn more about how the fashion industry is the second dirtiest in the world here
- Check the tags of your clothing and be conscious of what materials you buy, whether it’s organic cotton or polyester, knowing the quality of your clothing is important as the greater the quality, the longer it lasts!
- Support companies that produce sustainable fashion, there are so many out there!
- Recycle your clothing: shop used and vintage clothing.
Check out these 5 easy tips for reducing clothing waste and saving money here