Invest in (y)our planet.
This season, we're looking at what the future holds under earth day's theme of 'investing in our planet'. We continually strive to disrupt old ways of doing business in a legacy industry that employs one in six people on the planet. The possibilities for a more positive future are endless. Let's dive in.
Together we have the resources to achieve what may be the greatest ethical and economic shift in human history. - Joel Solomon
The time to act is now.
Spring equinox marked the IPCC's release date of their most recent report outlining the state of climate change, its impacts and what is still possible as we approach 1.1° of warming globally. The overall consensus? We must collectively act now at every level of community, organisation, government, nation and beyond to take actions consistent with a net-zero future.
Cutting emissions quickly at scale, adapting and preparing for the new normal of climate impacts, focusing on equity and increasing financing options will be required—all while blending traditional knowledge, innovation, and global collaboration.
One category that is often overlooked is our money. Some questions to consider—who holds your money (banks, loans, investments)? What do they use it for? What do you use it for? How might we utilise our resources for a positive change?
As Joel Solomon so eloquently points out, "We know so many of our human and ecological systems are sick and suffering. Considered wisely and reoriented, money can be their most powerful cure."
The good news? Many of the technologies and systems we need to mitigate climate impacts already exist. As we work to decarbonise and reimagine our own supply chain, we'll be sharing accessible tips to take action in your everyday routine. Every step taken for the planet is one step closer to a cultural shift.
Greenwashing legislation is near.
In some of the more recent attempts to crack down on inaccurate claims by large multi-national fashion companies, the European Union is proposing new criteria to prohibit misleading messaging and inaccurate environmental declarations. In an industry that has claimed sustainability as the next buzzword with no one system of substantiating, it can be challenging navigating through the noise. The highlights—Increased transparency, verified third party certifications as well as specificity will be required. Vague claims without evidence or part truths will no longer fly.
Plants turn gas into mass.
As we evaluate how far we've come, we've been looking to the future we want to create in the next 50 to 100 years. Regenerative practices are key to restoring and respecting our natural ecosystems.
In conversations we've had with our partners, it's refreshing to hear the shared vision of a regenerative fashion future. One example already living in the ecologyst ecosystem is the Climate Beneficial certified Heavy Wool Overshirt. The fabric is made with wool sourced from a grower in California that is working at the farm level to draw down carbon.
Grazing patterns and pasture management can increase carbon capture. Plants amazingly and effortlessly inhale carbon into mass and root exudates, which we can measure to understand impact.
The wool is grown in California, milled into fabric in Connecticut, and sewn at the ecologyst factory in Victoria, BC. Finished with natural corozo buttons, this piece is durable and showcases what regenerative fashion can be, all within North America.
Modern biology field trips.
Tarun creates music in harmony with our natural world taking cues from the energy that already exists in plant forms. Field trips are part foraging expedition, part musical performance, and part community gathering. Using silent disco-style headphones, we'll be meeting in a local Victoria park to experience a unique, improvised and ambient soundscape. RSVP to reserve your spot.
Host a film screening of Before They Fall this month.
This earth month, we're partnering with Story Money Impact, an incredible organisation whose mission is to increase connections between those passionate about the power of film for positive social change.
They have put together a facilitator's guide and discussion questions to host your very own screening of Before They Fall. Passionate about climate action, or want to see this film in your own organisation? Apply to host your very own screening at no cost.
Don't want to host a screening, but still want to participate? No problem! There's a live digital event that you can attend April 21st at 12:00PM PDT. RSVP here.
