Sustainable Fashion on the Shopgirls Blog

Last i wrote we were discussing the fashion industries ability to operate sustainably.  On the journey from designer to consumer there are many people, organizations, and resources involved. One major hurdle is the fact that traditionally the industry has been less than transparent; keeping manufacturing behind closed doors and much to be answered in terms of distribution and environmental impact.

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Cocktails and Competition

If your looking for something to do this weekend you might want to check out R4 Fashion. The Eco-fashion event starts with a cocktail party, moves to a documentary screening, and ends with a competition. It's happening Friday at the Atlantis Pavilions, on Lakeshore Boulevard. The event is an initiative from Sustainable Technology Education Project (STEP) at Waterloo University. Tickets range from $25-$40 and proceeds go back to STEP to help fund future projects. (see; wind turbine on the Waterloo Campus!) For full event schedule click here or check out the R4 Fashion site for more info.

Love Forever,
Jamie

Business Cards

I cant tell you how much time I spent this summer trying to find a Toronto company to print good quality business cards. I had put the search on the back-burner until today, when on the FTA website, I came across this link for the 'worlds greenest business card'. The concept behind 'greening' your business card is that if you 'talk the talk' you better 'walk the walk' meaning any eco designer or communicator should be placing importance on even the smallest detail of running their business sustainably. These cards bear the symbol of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and each batch of 500 is said to save 3 trees, 875gal of water, enough BTUs to power a house for 7 days, 211lbs of carbon emissions, and 112 pounds of solid waste. Now, i haven't placed my order yet so i cant vouch personally for the quality of the cards but they've been featured by Green Living, Metro, The Globe and Mail, Direct Marketing News, and Design Edge Canada Magazine. Plus each order results in one tree being planted by Trees Ontario who remind us to "Take a deep breath...then thank a tree."

Love Forever,
Jamie

FTA 2 for 1 membership!

How nice would it be to have info on sustainable businesses, updates on eco-fashion news, and access to workshops and classes all in one place?  Oh wait, you can...how convenient. After two 'Green Gala's' and a Sustainable Style show Fashion Takes Action launched as a members based organization in early 2009. Members can check out the website for an online directory, industry news, member list, b2b offers, and a variety of workshops and classes. Until Oct 30 FTA is offering 2 for 1 memberships. If membership isn't in the cards, you can still check out the directory and read various articles and the FTA blog.

Speaking of FTA, their first e-course is FREE to members and non-members alike. Sign up here for Sustainable Style 1.0 delivered to your email box in 6 parts.

Love Forever,
Jamie