New Book Display: Eco Fashion
Sustainability, Ethics, and Education
Education and awareness about the impact of fast fashion on the environment and society help us understand the benefits of sustainable fashion, an alternative to fast fashion, or inexpensive clothing driven by the latest trends and produced rapidly by mass-market retailers. Moving at warp speed to satisfy consumer want and lucrative business has a hefty price tag, often leading to overproduction and waste, poor labor practices, and environmental threats, particularly for chemically treated clothing.
However, there are inherent challenges in transitioning to a carbon neutral fashion industry, and one that is also attuned to social justice and ecological integrity. While textile fibers materials like cotton and polyester require substantial amounts of water and energy to produce, more sustainable materials, like organic cotton and recycled polyester, are costly and more scarce -- driving up competition and consumer prices.
Eco fashion, or clothing and other goods made from recycled materials otherwise produced by methods that are kind to and respectful of the environment, includes recycling clothing by designing, sourcing, and producing products so that they can be used more effectively. It can be as simple as mending jeans; handing down clothes, or using thrift shops.
We may ask how fashion can practically be more green, clothing more sustainable, and wearables more meaningful for society, the environment, and our economy. Eco Fashion: Sustainability, Ethics, and Education explores the overarching need for a smarter, more ethical, and slower approach, while also looking at the history and future of fashion.
Curated and designed by the Gottesman Libraries' staff, Eco Fashion: Sustainability, Ethics, and Education complements the new Artivism exhibition: Wearable Art For a Purpose, on display in Offit Gallery from Friday, June 2nd through Friday, July 28th, 2023.
Where: Offit Gallery
At Everett Cafe, onsite and online, you'll find a new book collection every few weeks that relates to current events, education, or learning environments.
Note: Everett Cafe will resume opening hours in the Fall.
