Wear Green, Be Green - A News Digest
So today I had planned to write about the next Sustainable Development Goal but I have not had the opportunity this week to write thoughtfully about how it applies to costumes so that will have to wait!
In the meantime, here’s a little news digest that you may find helpful:
With International Women’s Day last week, be sure to take some time to learn about the importance of Eco Feminism (such as these important figures). “In essence, ecofeminism is the idea that the oppression of women and the exploitation of our planet’s natural resources are inextricably linked. The movement originated in the 1970s alongside the rise of second-wave feminism and environmental activism. Today, people are increasingly waking up to the fact that different forms of oppression are all linked to one another and ecofeminism is a great example of this intersectional way of thinking.“
Elastane has LONG been a challenge to the textile recycling process. Researchers have FINALLY found a process that can recycle elastane (stretchy fabrics like in your leggings), read more about it here.
Okay, this isn’t NEW news but something you may find interesting. Did you know that there’s ALWAYS been a history of boycotts as a form of protest? This video discusses the use of overalls in the early 20th century as a form of protesting inflation, because, as you know, it’s not just whiny millennials….
This past week, on March 14th, marked the US’ Earth Overshoot Day. This means that if everyone in the world lived the way we do in the US then we would have used up all the resources that the earth can regenerate in 1 year by March 14th. We would need 5 EARTHS if everyone lived the way we do. It really makes you think, doesn’t it?
Looking forward, World Water Day is this week (March 22nd) and the fashion/garment/textile industry has a huge impact on water systems, both for the amount it consumes, and the amount it pollutes. Take some time to be thoughtful about your water use this week in honor of this day, remember that not everyone has access to clean drinking water, read this article for a heartbreaking look at how water polluted by manufacturing impacts communities.
Lastly, our good friend Elsa Hiltner of On Our Team was featured on The Future of Art in America podcast this week. Listen to her discuss the importance of pay and labor equity in the arts here.
That’s it for now, I hope your St. Patrick’s day is EXTRA GREEN this year.
