In 1960, 97 percent of the fibers used in clothing came from natural materials. Today that number has fallen to 35 percent. But sustainable fashion veteran Isaac Nichelson wants to reverse that trend.
His company, Circular Systems S.P.C. (Social Purpose Corp.), has developed an innovative technology for turning food waste into thread, according to a Fast Company profile published Friday.
<p>"We want to enable food crops to become our primary fibers," Nichelson told Fast Company. </p><p>That technology, <a href="https://www.circular-systems.com/agraloop/" target="_blank">the Agraloop™ Bio-Refinery</a>, uses pineapple leaves, sugarcane bark and banana, hemp and flax stalks to make a textile-grade fiber. The technology recycles problems into solutions. 270 million tons of banana waste is left to rot each year, contributing to <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/methane" target="_self">methane</a> pollution and crop disease. But burning crops causes more than 10 percent of global annual <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/air-pollution" target="_self">air pollution</a> deaths, according to the product's website. Instead, Nichelson wants people to wear that waste instead; just the five crops currently used in the Agraloop could produce 250 million tons of fiber a year, enough to exceed global demand 2.5 times. </p><p>"[It's a] regenerative system that uses plant-based chemistry and plant-based energy to upgrade the fibres whilst enriching the local communities and creating a new economic system," Nichelson said in a <a href="https://www.circular-systems.com/news/2018/4/4/new-materials-start-up-circular-systems-wins-hm-foundations-coveted-2018-global-change-award-for-turning-food-crop-waste-into-sustainable-fashion" target="_blank">press release</a>. The Agraloop systems are intended for farmers and producers to own so that they can dispose of their own waste and use it to augment their own revenue, according to Fast Company. </p><p>In April, Circular Solutions won the 2018 Global Change Award from the H&M Foundation, which comes with a $350,000 grant Nichelson said he would use to scale up production of the Agraloop. </p><p>The Agraloop isn't the only sustainable technology that Circular Solutions has developed. <a href="https://www.circular-systems.com/texloop/" target="_blank">Texloop</a> targets the problem of textile waste—almost 85 percent of used clothing gets sent to landfills—by upcycling it into new fabrics. <a href="https://www.circular-systems.com/orbital/" target="_blank">Orbital™ Hybrid Yarns</a> are high-quality yarns made from recycled food and textile fibers. </p><p>Nichelson, who is developing partnerships with H&M and Levis to use his fibers, told Fast Company that the fashion industry was increasingly interested in <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/sustainability" target="_self">sustainability</a>, largely for economic reasons. This year's McKinsey and Company and Business of Fashion annual survey said the industry would see losses of three to four percent unless it could increase efficiency and reduce waste.</p><p>"Right now, it's so extractive and so destructive, and we're looking at these resources becoming more and more finite as the population grows," Nichelson said.</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed">
</p><div id="74096" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="UMMAJT1576661994"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="970638765101285376" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">Want Sustainable Clothing? It's Time to Meet Regenerative Fiber https://t.co/bIKxOHP2YS @SierraClub @CleanAirMoms @regeneration_in</div> — EcoWatch (@EcoWatch)<a href="https://twitter.com/EcoWatch/statuses/970638765101285376">1520253289.0</a></blockquote></div>
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Elise Lockwood
If you wear bras, chances are you haven't thought too much about their environmental impact. But bras can be made from a variety of unsustainable materials, from water-intensive cotton, to spandex, to petroleum-based polyurethane foam for padding. So once they're tossed, these synthetic fabrics will sit in landfills and take forever to disappear.
It's no wonder Australian lingerie designer Stephanie Devine launched The Very Good Bra, the world's first zero-waste bra.
<p>
The biodegradable bra, Devine claims, is so Earth-friendly that "you could bury it in your garden at the end of its lifespan and it would leave no toxic waste."
</p><p>
The bra comes with no wire and is made of Aussie-made
<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/7-eco-friendly-fabrics-that-will-green-your-wardrobe-1881821403.html" target="_blank">tencel</a>, a <a href="https://www.lenzing.com/en/products/tencel-tm/" target="_blank">sustainable textile</a> made from the wood pulp of eucalyptus trees, which requires a fraction of the water used by <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/cotton">cotton</a>. Tencel, as it happens, is also ideal for lingerie due to its soft, absorbent and durable qualities.
</p><p>
Devine's bra features elastic made from sustainably farmed rubber trees, organic cotton for sewing thread and is dyed to meet the Global Organic Trading Standard. She even thought of organic inks for labeling and completely compostable packaging to make sure it's as clean as possible.
</p><p>
The designer crunched the numbers and determined that if the two billion women currently on the planet own, on average, nine bras each, that means 18 billion bras are headed for landfill. In her native country, Australia, 6,000 kilos of clothing and textile waste ends up in the landfill every 10 minutes.
</p><p>
<span></span>A <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/990591867/the-very-good-bra" target="_blank">Kickstarter</a> for the product was launched May 19 and fulfilled its AUD $20,000 (US $15,300) fundraising goal within 48 hours.
</p><p>
The Very Good Bra is available on the crowdfunding site for roughly US $65 and comes in 24 cup sizes. Early bird delivery expected for this August with another run in October.
</p><p>
Additional funds raised during the Kickstarter campaign will go towards completing Cradle to Cradle certification, which would make The Very Good Bra the world's first lingerie label and the first Australian fashion product to do so.
</p><p>
Devine hopes to continue to design more zero-waste products following her current campaign.
</p><p>
"For me this isn't about one bra, I want to develop a brand to cover a broader, inclusive range of zero-waste, low waste and recycled basics for both men and women," she said.
</p><p>
"Together we can start cleaning up the fashion industry and help protect our fragile planet for future generations."</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed">
</p><div id="3b33c" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="RFO2T31576662760"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="633458560979103749" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">Fast Fashion Is the Second Dirtiest Industry in the World, Next to Big Oil http://t.co/yO2nMHrUYr @greenpeaceusa @HuffPostGreen</div> — EcoWatch (@EcoWatch)<a href="https://twitter.com/EcoWatch/statuses/633458560979103749">1439863264.0</a></blockquote></div>
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Westend61 / Getty Images
For many people, the holidays are rich with time-honored traditions like decorating the Christmas tree, lighting the menorah, caroling, cookie baking, and sipping from the unity cup. But there's another unofficial, official holiday tradition that spans all ages and beliefs and gives people across the world hope for a better tomorrow: the New Year's resolution.
<p>It's believed that ancient Babylonians were the <a href="https://www.cnet.com/health/the-history-of-new-years-resolutions-and-celebrations/#:~:text=4%2C000%20years%20ago%20in%20Babylon%20(around%202000%20B.C.)&text=Most%20historians%20believe%20Babylonians%20were,accordance%20with%20an%20agricultural%20year." target="_blank">first people to make New Year's resolutions</a> some 4,000 years ago. Over time, the popular practice shifted in scope from making promises to the gods about repaying debt to making promises to ourselves about self-improvement. Anyone who has ever made a New Year's resolution probably included something like get more sleep or be less stressed. And though it might not immediately come to mind when you brainstorm strategies for reaching your New Year's goals, it turns out that chamomile tea could be the answer for many of them. </p><p>If you've ever asked yourself why everyone is drinking chamomile tea, we've got the answer here. Read on to learn some of the reasons why this herbal beverage is all the rage.</p>
<p><em><strong>Josh Hall</strong> has been a professional writer and storyteller for more than 15 years. His work on natural health and cannabis has appeared in Health, Shape, and Remedy Review. </em><em><em>The product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the link included, we may earn commission.</em></em></p>
Benefits of Chamomile Tea
<p><strong>Sleep More Soundly</strong></p><p>Pick your grandmother's brain about the best way to fall asleep, and she might tell you to down a nice glass of warm milk. But if you consult with science, research shows that chamomile might be a better option. That's because it contains an antioxidant called apigenin, which can <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">promote sleepiness and reduce insomnia and other sleep problems</a>.</p><p>Two research studies even confirmed the power of chamomile throughout the day and before bed. In one of those studies, postpartum women who drank chamomile for two weeks <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26483209" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">experienced better sleep quality than the control group who didn't</a>. Another research effort measured how fast people could fall asleep. Those results illustrated that participants who consumed 270 milligrams of chamomile extract twice daily for 28 days <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3198755/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">fell asleep 15 minutes faster than the control</a>. The chamomile group also had considerably fewer sleep disruptions. </p><p><strong>May Be Able to Keep Your Gut Healthy</strong></p><p>Though the following studies used rats as the subjects, research shows that chamomile can potentially play a beneficial role in digestive health. According to that research, the anti-inflammatory properties in <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24463157" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">chamomile extract may be able to protect against diarrhea</a>. Additionally, chamomile may be an effective way to <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4177631/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">stop the growth of bacteria in our stomachs that contribute to ulcers</a>.</p><p><strong>Reduces Stress and Anxiety</strong></p><p>Few things are more relaxing than curling up with a good cup of tea, so it's logical that chamomile tea can serve a stress reducer. While it lacks the potency of a pharmaceutical drug, long-term use of chamomile has been shown to <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27912875" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">"significantly" reduce general anxiety disorders</a>. In general, chamomile can act almost like a sedative, and many people enjoy the tea because it puts them in a calm and relaxed state almost immediately. </p><p><strong>Boosts Immune Health</strong></p><p>Vitamin C and zinc are common over-the-counter supplements that people often turn to when they're hoping to avoid becoming sick. While scientists admit that more research must take place to prove chamomile's impact on preventing ailments like the common cold, the existing studies do show promise in this area. </p><p>One study had 14 participants drink five cups of the tea every day for two consecutive weeks. Throughout the study, researchers collected daily urine samples and tested the contents before and after the consumption of the tea. Drinking chamomile resulted in a significant increase in the levels of hippurate and glycine, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">both of which are known to increase antibacterial activity</a>. Inhaling steam from a pot of freshly brewed chamomile tea may also ease the symptoms of nasal congestion.</p><p><strong>Minimizes Menstrual Cramps</strong></p><p>This one may come as a surprise, particularly to readers who have tried every possible over-the-counter treatment to reduce period pain. Several research studies have proven that chamomile tea may be able to minimize the pain and cramps that occur during menstruation. Women in that same study also dealt with lower levels of anxiety that they typically felt because of menstrual cramps.</p><p><strong>Help Diabetes and Lower Blood Sugar</strong></p><p>For people with diabetes, regulating blood sugar levels can be a matter of life or death. And while chamomile will never replace prescription-strength drugs, it's believed that it can prevent an increase in blood sugar. A 2008 study on rats showed that chamomile could have a <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf8014365" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">moderate impact on the long-term risk of diabetes</a>.</p><p><strong>Might Improve Your Skin</strong></p><p>Ever wondered why there's been an influx of chamomile-infused cosmetic products? The reason why so many manufacturers now include chamomile in their lotions, soaps, and creams is because it <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5074766/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">acts as an anti-inflammatory on our skin</a>. That means it may be able to soothe the puffiness that plagues us as we age. Those same anti-inflammatory properties can be vital in restoring skin health after we've received a sunburn. </p><p>Before discarding your used chamomile tea bags, try chilling them and placing them over your eyes. Not only will this help with the puffiness, but it can drastically light the skin color around the eye.</p><p><strong>Help With Heart Health</strong></p><p>Some of the most beneficial antioxidants we put into our bodies are what are known as flavones, and chamomile tea is chock full of them. Flavones have the potential to lower both blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which, when elevated, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4814348/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">can lead to heart disease</a>.</p>Why Everyone Is Drinking Chamomile Tea
<p>Now that you know so much about the wonders of chamomile, it shouldn't come as a surprise why the tea is so popular with people of all ages. In addition to tasting great, chamomile offers up benefits that boost the health of body parts both inside and out. As you ponder your own New Year's resolutions, think about how healthy and natural vitamins, supplements, plants, and oils can help guide you on your own personal path to improvement. Happy New Year!</p>An Organic, Eco-Conscious Brand to Try
<div class="rm-shortcode amazon-assets-widget" data-rm-shortcode-id="0da9d8545ec44ebf1a31d6044181ed9e" contenteditable="false"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N2F8718?tag=ecowatch-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" target="_blank"> <img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41B2ANHhsdL.jpg" class="amazon-assets-widget__image widget__image"> </a> </div> <p>FGO tea bags are made of hemp fiber paper, free of dyes, adhesive, glue, and chlorine bleach. The tea is also certified USDA Organic by California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF).</p>From Your Site Articles
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Clothes swapping party in Hannover, Germany hosted by Greenpeace. Michael Loewa / Greenpeace
By Gabriele Salari
The fashion industry is considered to be one of the most polluting in the world. Its material-intensive business model relies heavily on our addiction to overconsumption and feeds the destruction of the planet.
There is one way to solve the problem: slowing down fashion. We need a model that doesn't compromise on ethical, social and environmental values and involves customers, rather than encouraging them to binge buy ever-changing trends.
<p>At Milan Fashion Week this year, <a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/italy/it/" target="_blank">Greenpeace Italy</a> decided to give the podium to the pioneers of sustainable fashion, who are changing the way we wear our clothes. These are the companies behind some of the examples from the <a href="http://www.greenpeace.de/" target="_blank">Greenpeace Germany</a> report <a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/publications/Campaign-reports/Toxics-reports/Fashion-at-the-Crossroads/" target="_blank"><em>Fashion at the Crossroads</em></a>.</p><p>We chose to highlight the three most important ways to create clothes that don't harm the planet: Make it last, Make it right, Make it different.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="99ebac4ff804be79deec164870d0f6a6"><iframe type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UqsqtJOO8kg?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span></p><h3>1. Make It Last</h3><p><strong>Hilke Patzwall from <a href="https://www.vaude.com/en-GB/" target="_blank">Vaude</a></strong></p><p> "One of our key problems is too much consumption. It's important to inform consumers about all the consequences of <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/fast-fashion">fast fashion</a>, but it is even more important that the industry takes on their responsibility. As a brand, we need to make products with a physical and emotional durability, and provide the infrastructure so that consumers can live up to slowing the loop."</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"><img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xMTYwNTgxNC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxNTE5MjIyNH0.cn4g7x_q5zpVjH5cK3Kh-lab2IbOTHE_8mhpjJEY4Pw/img.jpg?width=980" id="08f85" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="7b759622d02596344be2d2f8ac86dd70" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image"><small placeholder="add caption..." class="image-media media-caption">Eliina Brinkberg and Hilke Patzwall at the event in Milan.</small><small placeholder="add photo credit..." class="image-media media-photo-credit">Greenpeace</small></p><p><strong>Eliina Brinkberg from <a href="https://www.nudiejeans.com/" target="_blank">Nudie Jeans</a></strong><br></p><p>"At Nudie Jeans, we encourage our customers to wear their jeans longer by offering free repairs. We're so happy to be brought up as an example of being on the right track and we share Greenpeace's belief that prolonging the life of our clothes is one of the most important ways of slowing down the flow of materials in the fashion industry."</p><p>"By appreciating true craftsmanship, learning to love and care for our clothes and by buying less and wearing longer, we can create a more sustainable textile industry."</p><h3>2. Make It Right</h3><p><strong>Andrea Cavicchi, part of the <a href="http://www.consorziodetox.it/?lang=en" target="_blank">Italian Detox Consortium</a></strong></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"><img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xMTYwNTc3Ny9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMTY0MDgyN30.i8bRK9bryYSJKvfQrk1PobAs77RXhbe-6Iqc0N0gQD8/img.jpg?width=980" id="cecd4" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c59b8e4dec1b92c7a7337be51ff00572" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image"><small placeholder="add photo credit..." class="image-media media-photo-credit">Greenpeace</small></p><p>"In the Prato area of Tuscany, we've been making sustainable fabric since the 12th century. We use production techniques where wool fibres are reused to produce new fabrics, allowing the recovery of fibres and textile waste materials. Used clothes that would normally be thrown away are reintroduced into the production cycle as raw materials. The first manufacturing companies to sign up to Greenpeace's Detox Commitment were in the Prato textile district."<br></p><p>"Now the Italian Detox Consortium is applying the Detox approach to the virtuous process of recycling textile fibers by promoting an investigation of the chemical contamination of regenerated articles and finding out what we can do to solve it. We ensure the traceability of the recycled textile material with their certification and by working with an international authority."</p><p><strong>Enrica Arena from <a href="http://orangefiber.it/en/" target="_blank">Orange Fiber</a></strong></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"><img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xMTYwNTc1OS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2MTYyOTIzMH0.jUmJv2J6CVP9K0LgfKdVOMW6tUctMfP8jTza83fE0BE/img.jpg?width=980" id="9ac1c" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="b709e323586c8425fcc13d7f48084a72" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image"><small placeholder="add photo credit..." class="image-media media-photo-credit">Greenpeace</small></p><p>"We believe that a sustainable and ethical business model—one which considers the environmental and human costs of manufacture to be as crucial as profit—together with a circular approach to material sourcing and design, are the keys to closing the loop in the fashion industry and taking our world beyond the next season."<br></p><p><span></span>"We're faithful to our motto, 'the future is not a place we're going to, but a place we create,' and continue to research new raw materials and develop ways to improve our manufacturing process. People who wear a dress made out of our fabrics are not just consumers, but contributors to a more sustainable future. This is the contemporary way to construct an ethical and sustainable lifestyle; one that looks further than status and considers the future of our world."</p><h3>3. Make It Different </h3><p><strong>Pola Fendel from <a href="https://kleiderei.com/" target="_blank">Kleiderei</a></strong></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"><img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xMTYwNTcyNy9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1MDg1MjcxMn0.G4w0Lo_ai9zceEsNvm2Ht-gu0mYiKgnzsrrdwOfXdW0/img.jpg?width=980" id="91782" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="738a5db42f4851194be2eca4d8607f85" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image"><small placeholder="add photo credit..." class="image-media media-photo-credit">Greenpeace</small></p><p>"Society is definitely shifting. Consumers are starting to question more. The amount of people who want to buy less and choose quality over quantity is growing. The projects and companies represented on Greenpeace's <em>Fashion at the Crossroads</em> panel all feed into this change in society whilst shaping and broadening it. We are increasing attention to this topic and providing much needed alternatives to fast fashion and overconsumption."<br></p><p><strong>Arielle Lévy from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LHerbe-Rouge-154674483878/" target="_blank">L'Herbe Rouge</a></strong></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"><img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xMTYwNTcxOC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNzQ2ODg4N30.iP-OFCJpeNwe--uRv054UNQTjBMFGZlF5SIZDJoLtXQ/img.jpg?width=980" id="2fa0a" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="7046f6cd937408b0578bb1dd14718c9a" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image"><small placeholder="add photo credit..." class="image-media media-photo-credit">Greenpeace</small></p><p>"Sustainability is a state of mind. The stakes are high for fashion. I believe that we have to inspire the economy by showing the success of new business models, especially post carbon initiatives. This is the only way our highly polluting industry can protect people, consumers and the planet."<br></p><p>"As far as the L'Herbe Rouge business model is concerned, our four pillars have proved that <em>une autre mode est possible,"</em> (another fashion is possible):</p><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>Coherence of Chain of Value: Eco design, eco production, eco distribution.</li></ul><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>Eco Frugality: Minimize resources and maximize added value (product and service).</li></ul><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>Innovation: In order to find new answers and create local jobs and autonomy for companies.</li></ul><ul class="ee-ul"><li>Affordable Quality: Fair and accessible prices, direct selling, no intermediary, democratization through slow wear.</li></ul><h3>Shifting Mindsets</h3><p>How do we thank the marvelous people working so tirelessly to change fashion for the better? We chose to give the final word to a Greenpeace ally:</p><p><strong>Orsola de Castro from the <a href="http://fashionrevolution.org/" target="_blank">Fashion Revolution</a></strong></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"><img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xMTYwNTY2OS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0MzEzNzE3NH0.XROrr4BT6PuwH6tsWQCn2g-p1M9fHsf6-3FE-KrzT04/img.jpg?width=980" id="eca90" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="af410f6451b1b93053a1de13fb7a37ed" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image"><small placeholder="add photo credit..." class="image-media media-photo-credit">Greenpeace</small></p><p>"Before technology and the advancement of the circular economy will save us, we have to slow down mass production and accelerated consumption."<br></p><p>"Now that consumers are asking questions, and an increasing number of brands are beginning to understand that tomorrow's loyalty will demand sustainable innovation, we need to encourage a culture where people are encouraged to challenge brands to be more ethical."</p><p>"If we increase the visibility of smaller slow-fashion brands we can make the fashion industry much more biodiverse. Small really is beautiful!"</p><p>Our next challenge is changing people's minds.</p><p><em>Gabriele Salari is the Communications Specialist for the Detox My Fashion campaign in Greenpeace Italy.</em></p>
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President Donald Trump's promise to bring back American manufacturing has a big problem—his daughter Ivanka's fashion empire is mostly manufactured overseas, mainly in Asia.
<p>
But in a true example of how to "Make America Great Again," Ashley Biden—the daughter of former Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden—has partnered with the e-commerce site
<a href="https://www.gilt.com/sale/women/livelihood/product/1166207804-livelihood-womens-hooded-zip-sweater?origin=sale" target="_blank">Gilt.com</a> to launch a new socially and ethically conscious apparel company, <a href="https://getinvolvedinyourhood.com/" target="_blank">Livelihood</a>.
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The line features organic cotton hoodies that's 100 percent sourced and manufactured in the U.S. Not only that, 100 percent of the net proceeds from sales will be remitted to Livelihood to benefit low-income areas.
</p><p>
Proceeds will initially benefit Wilmington, Delaware, where Biden grew up as well as Anacostia, Washington, D.C., where she works as a social worker.
</p><p>
"Over the past 15 years, I've worked as a social worker and learned first-hand that civic participation is an essential component of community development," Biden said in a statement. "My goal with Livelihood is to celebrate that ethos with creative and innovative programs that directly impact local neighborhoods."
</p><p>
Biden said she chose to sell hoodies "because it is universal, was once ubiquitous with the Labor Movement and is currently symbolic of important social justice movements."
<br>
</p><p>
Livelihood's mission is to motivate local people to get involved with grassroots initiatives. Biden told
<a href="http://www.teenvogue.com/story/ashley-biden-partners-with-gilt-on-livelihood-clothing-line" target="_blank">Teen Vogue</a> that her company will use the proceeds to create community boards to decide what local projects and issues need the most help.
</p><p>
"I want a janitor, a school teacher, the local pastor, whomever is involved in the community to sit at the table and to pick the projects for economic development," she said, adding that economic development could mean anything from "education, community centers, literacy programs, tutoring, or workforce development."
</p><div id="afe9a" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="5RV3M61494249346"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0;
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQTSX16FB2K/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif;
font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;
word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">Instagram post by Sarkui Wallace • Feb 9, 2017 at 6:44pm UTC</a></p>
</div></blockquote></div><p>
Biden continued about how she wants Livelihood to be about longterm policy reform. Livelihood's interactive
<a href="https://www.getinvolvedinyourhood.com/" target="_blank">website</a> allows visitors to learn about models of change to serve underserved communities. It states:</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">
"We're going to be talking about policy reforms needed, such as campaign finance reform, tax revisions, [and] minimum wage. We're going to be talking about the importance of civic engagement participation. Because many people don't believe understand governance, and how it's set up. [Livelihood] is encouraging people to get involved on a local level."
<br>
</p><p>
Biden also explained to <a href="http://people.com/style/ashley-biden-gilt-hoodie-launch-joe-biden-fashion-week/" target="_blank">People</a>:
</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">
"I feel the country is so divided with everything that's going on and as Americans, as people from all different races and cultures and religions, we can all get behind is economic equality. The United States is one of the wealthiest nations. We have the largest wealth gap—1 percent of the population owns the majority of the wealth. We have 45 million people living below poverty. One of the big things with Livelihood is infusing under-resourced zip codes with funding for economic development projects as well as encouraging people to get involved. <a href="http://getinvolvedinyourhood.com/" target="_blank">Getinvolvedinyourhood.com</a> is an interactive website that talks about our social and collective history as it relates to economic justice. It provides various people, whether innovators in the human service field, creatives, entrepreneurs, who are looking to make a change, with effective models that work across the country to reduce poverty in communities. We're also going to highlight main policy reforms that are linked to economic justice and really talk about the importance of civic engagement. When people know better, they do better. I really believe that we have a knowledge gap in this country on governance. Things like: What is the electoral college? Why is voting important? What does voting affect? One of the biggest things Livelihood will encourage is to get involved locally. I believe the most crucial and important elections are on the state level. It's on the off years: It's your county council men and women, it's your local congressmen and your local senators in state government."
</p><p>
<span></span>Former Vice President Joe Biden praised his daughter's work at the Livelihood launch last week.<br>
</p><p>
"Her commitment to trying to change the world for the better is more intense than even mine has been," he said, according to
<a href="http://www.vogue.com/article/vice-president-joe-biden-dr-jill-biden-ashley-biden-livelihood-gilt-new-york-launch-party" target="_blank">Vogue</a>. "Ordinary people, when given an opportunity, can do extraordinary things."
</p><div id="92c84" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="YAAUIF1494249346"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0;
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display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQO_M9dBFVg/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif;
font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;
word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">Instagram post by Gilt.com • Feb 8, 2017 at 2:40am UTC</a></p>
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<span></span>"Parks and Recreation" actress Aubrey Plaza, a Delaware native, is also a fan.<br>
</p><p>
"I believe Wilmington and surrounding communities in Delaware need help and I want to get involved," Plaza said in a statement. "I think Ashley is incredibly smart and I love her ideas. We both talked about our love for Wilmington and for Delaware. I told her how some of the community programs in Wilmington influenced me as a child and helped me get to where I am today—namely, the Wilmington Drama League, a community theater, which allowed me to explore acting at a young age among other like-minded, aspiring artists. It's places like these I want to support so they can change other people's lives as well."
</p><div id="9fbed" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="7SJNKY1494249346"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0;
border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15);
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<div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC);
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</div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQRSGNjhlBk/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif;
font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;
word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">Instagram post by Gilt.com • Feb 9, 2017 at 12:03am UTC</a></p>
</div></blockquote></div><p>
Livelihood's unisex-sized hoodies come in a range of colors, including black, slate grey, winter white, navy, emerald and blush. They cost between $79 to $99. Everything—down to the zipper—is made in the U.S.A. Details include a reflector stripe on the right cuff, extended sleeves with thumb holes, heavy gauge draw cords and the motto, "Keep Your Hood Up," printed on the exterior neckline.
</p><p>
<span></span>These days, with 97 percent of all clothes made anywhere but in the U.S., the "Made in the U.S.A." label is a tricky one to sew, especially for the Trumps.
</p><p>
<span></span>The <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/28/business/donald-trump-ivanka-clothes-global-trade-overseas-manufacturing.html?_r=0" target="_blank">New York Times</a> found out, after reviewing hundreds of clothing tags and financial documents associated with Ivanka Trump, that "almost all of her goods are made overseas," such as Chinese-made shoes, handbags and dresses and blouses are made in China, Indonesia and Vietnam.
</p><p>
Clothing produced overseas has long been a cornerstone of the
<a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/fast-fashion-is-the-second-dirtiest-industry-in-the-world-next-to-big--1882083445.html">fast fashion</a> industry, but with that comes unsustainable practices that can be bad for <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/the-true-cost-of-cheap-clothing-1882045052.html" target="_blank">societies and our environment</a>.
</p><p>
But with up-and-coming social entrepreneurs like Ashley Biden, it's clear that style can be sustainable.
</p><p>
<span></span>As <a href="http://occupydemocrats.com/2017/02/12/joe-bidens-daughter-just-showed-ivanka-trump-truly-make-america-great/" target="_blank">Occupy Democrats</a> pointed out, "We do not need an autocrat in the White House claiming he can fix everything with a few dramatic executive orders. We need individual Americans giving the tools to members of ailing communities to help themselves. We need our policymakers to commit themselves to the longterm investment necessary to make longterm sustainable change for struggling Americans. Ashley exemplifies what the average American can do: work on local community projects, and demand change from elected officials. We should all follow her lead."</p>
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