|
As another Earth Day approaches I am compelled to take a look at what it is we do every day, how we can make it better, how we can forge a road map for the challenges that lie in socially conscious fashion. How we can maintain integrity in design, creativity and style while sticking to values?
Many don't know that the apparel industry is one of the largest polluters of the environment in the world or that there are over 200 million people working in enslaved labor conditions in the world right now. Too, there have been folks who strive for organic, some who focus on fair-trade, there's recycled, there's no-waste. For us it just seemed to make sense to look at sustainability as people, planet and profit. Starting with people, if we can make it local creating local jobs and reducing our carbon footprint, then make sure that we source as much domestically as possible (in terms of textiles) and ensure that we can at least verify conditions of labor of those producing our fabric, then if we can get things organic, recycled or sustainable, that is icing on the cake. This model is really based on the local living economies model which has proven that 70% of dollars spent in local independent businesses stay in the community it's spent in. It lies in a foundation of relationships, partnerships, cooperation and fairness. One of the founders of thismovement locally and nationally is a home town lady who has dared to be bold and unwavering in saving our earth and our economy. Judy Wicks, who founded the White Dog Cafe Foundation, theSustainable Business Network of Philadelphia, the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies, Fair Food Philly and a founding member of the Social Venture Network has just released a book of her memoirs. It's captivating, heartfelt and motivating. To my mentor and friend - thank you! If you are looking for Spring read - this should make your list.
Oh, and if you take note of the purple Selma skirt Judy is wearing in the photo above at her recent book launch at the Academy of Natural Sciences last month, you will be delighted to hear the story of the purple skirt in her book! Best, |
