Those of you who follow Wendy Skinner's Eco-Fashion Show plans might find the
following interesting, from Yahoo's new 'green' news site:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071121/lf_nm_life/fashion_environment_dc
Green is the new black for savvy consumers, retailers
By Naomi Kim Wed Nov 21, 6:05 PM ET
TORONTO (Reuters Life!) - Global warming may not only affect climate and the
environment, it will also have an impact on clothes and fashion, according to
design and retail experts.
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Savvy, environmentally conscious consumers are approaching clothes with a
different mind-set and designers and retailers are responding.
"With Seventh Avenue proclaiming that 'green is the new black,' we can expect
a surge in fashion innovations in response to climate change," said Jo
Paoletti, a professor at the University of Maryland and an expert in design and
fashion.
It will mean not only debates about the benefits of cotton versus polyester
or other fabrics, but likely future innovations such as smart clothes that
monitor and adjust to body temperature to reduce the need for air conditioning
and heating, she added.
Bob Kirke, executive director of the Canadian Apparel Federation, which
represents retailers and design, manufacture and supply companies, agrees that
climate change awareness has created a demand for more environmentally
conscious fabrics.
"All of this is coming very quickly. Three years ago no one cared about this
in apparel and textiles -- they had people who would wear hemp clothing but
they'd buy it at hemp shops. Now it's much more mainstream and the marketplace
is catching up," he explained in an interview.
Bamboo is one eco-fabric that has surged in popularity and availability
recently, as has recycled material. Consumers are also thinking about how much
they buy.
"The same people who are now eschewing plastic bags are starting to look into
their wardrobes and saying, 'Am I doing everything I can to reduce my
consumption in terms of clothing?"' Paoletti said.
"Most Americans have many, many more clothes in their closet than they can
wear. And I think they're aware of that," Paoletti added.
The average person in the U.S. throws away nearly 70 pounds of clothing and
textiles a year, according to the Council for Textile Recycling in the United
States.
Daniel Butler, vice-president of merchandising and retail operations for the
National Retail Federation, said companies are also interested in sustainable
or green retail efforts.
"Some retailers look at merchandise, some people look at their marketing
method, some people have green supply chain initiatives, some people are
building green stores. Everybody is trying different things that make sense for
their company, their product and their customer base," he said.
(Reporting by Naomi Kim; editing by Patricia Reaney)
- fostering sustainable community through collaborative initiatives in
hospitality, education and the arts, in the 150 year-old democratic spirit of
the Danish Folk School
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