When it comes to the environment, we spend a lot of time talking about things like energy, transportation, and food. These industries have major consequences on both our climate and our natural world. But there’s another important industry that often gets overlooked in these conversations… fashion.
That’s why Austin is bringing this topic into the light with Sustainable Fashion Week.
“We’re proud to showcase national leaders and local innovators who are paving the way for a more sustainable fashion industry,” said Natalie Betts, recycling economic development program manager with the City of Austin, in a press release. “Austin’s fashion sector is an important contributor to our local economic vitality and is critical for moving toward a more circular economy.”
According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the textile industry’s share of the carbon budget is set to increase from 2 percent to 24 percent by 2050 if the fashion industry doesn’t begin to make some major changes.
Not only does the fashion industry affect our climate, but it also produces a lot of waste (in Austin alone, we throw away 18,000 pounds of clothing each day) and can create some major environmental injustices in the communities where the clothing is produced.
So how can you participate in Sustainable Fashion Week?
Attend one of these free events:
- The Future Is Circular: A Sustainable Fashion Symposium – Friday, May 4th from 3pm to 6pm (the Austin EcoNetwork will be Facebook livestreaming this event, in case you can’t make it in person)
- Eileen Fisher RENEW & Miranda Bennett Pop-Up – opportunity to check out RENEW, a repaired and repurposed fashion line in support of a future without waste. Saturday, May 5th from 11am to 6pm at 217 West 2nd Street
- Remake Runway At Maker Faire Austin – sustainable fashion competition and runway event inspired by Project Runway. Sunday, May 6th from 11am to 4pm
