Indian designers pushed to improve sustainability
As usual, last month, glitter, glitz and glam dazzled the runaways of Indian Fashion Week. Yet, another element outshines the rest: a flair for the sustainable. A new competition during the event encouraged the designers to embed eco-friendly materials into their collections.
Now, amid an industry-wide ambition, Indian designers strive to reduce the environmental impact of their brands through recycled fabrics options.
Though fast fashion holds the negative limelight, luxury fashion also continues to rapidly produce clothes for seasonal collections. As one of the largest exporters of hand-made luxury garments, India holds a large influence over the new direction of this changing market. In this specific market, the topic of sustainability not only needs to consider the environment, but also the working conditions and opportunities for local artisans.
Many designers hope to redefine luxury as signature and classic pieces crafted by hand instead of the most current trends. This is a step forward, despite the magnitude of this sustainability challenge. Read more about this movement in the Indian fashion industry on BBC.
New carbon dioxide detection satellite launched
Equipped with state-of-the-art CO2 monitoring technology, a new satellite, named Vanguard, launched into the starry skies. It can pinpoint emissions down to individual power plants, industrial facilities, and other manufacturing sites. Held accountable from space, major greenhouse gas emitters can no longer fudge the numbers or claim ignorance on the issue.
Vanguard is the newest member of the detection satellites by Canadian company, GHGSat. In 2016, the company launched another spacecraft to measure methane emissions that can detect invisible plumes of the harmful gas.
This milestone will ensure that climate promises, such as the Paris Agreement, can be enforced through international law. The information will improve the accuracy of emissions reports for both the government and scientists as well as help policymakers create more effective regulations.
Dive into this space-age technology in the U.S. News and World Report and Axios.
Major drink companies garnered greenwashing attention
Environmental watchdogs have taken action against Coca-Cola, Danone, and Nestle, accusing the trio of false claims that their water bottles are "100% recycled" plastics. The complaint is now in the hands of the European Commission.
These are the latest complaints in a series of greenwashing accusations against major household names, including Starbucks and Volkswagen. Greenwashing misleads consumers who hope their purchase is helping the planet with eco-friendly branding, when in fact, that’s not the case.
"A '100%' recycling rate for bottles is technically not possible and, just because bottles are made with recycled plastic, does not mean they don't harm people and the planet." said Rosa Pritchard, a plastics lawyer at ClientEarth to U.S. News. "It is important companies don't portray recycling as a silver bullet to the plastic crisis…”
Unfortunately, this tactic continues to target sustainable-minded demographics. Learn how to spot greenwashing techniques before becoming a well-intentioned victim of these marketing campaigns.
An era of four-legged firefighters on the rise
Goats and sheep, with their robust appetites and agility on rough terrain, suit up alongside their shepherds to tackle the challenge of wildfires. Despite its recent demand, this ancient profession is far from a new trade.
Brittany “Cole” Bush, the founder of Shepherdess Land & Livestock, envisions a new generation of shepherds, following a targeted approach that parallels the seasons and accounts for the diversity of the landscape. This California ranch dispatches herds as large as 700 sheep and goats that can munch acres of dried vegetation on a daily basis.
These crews are cheaper and more nimble than their human counterparts, able to navigate to their feast on steep hillsides and within narrow canyons to create fire buffer zones. As browsers, these animals can reach tall vegetation, preventing flames from climbing up the landscape.
Grazing goats are a more sustainable form of fuel management compared to prescribed burns, herbicides, and fuel-powered mowers. Due to their popularity as an eco-friendly solution, there is often a waitlist to secure new browsing assignments.
Learn more about the shepherdess and their wildfire warriors on the Guardian.
Alaska Airlines allows customers to cover travel emissions
Concerned about your carbon footprint from air travel? Alaska Airlines joined forces with climate-tech company CHOOOSE to appeal to eco-conscious travelers. The airline now provides sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) credits or options to support climate projects for their passengers.
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is a greener alternative that can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel. Since 2010, Alaska has worked with partners to advance SAF and reduce carbon emissions from its operations. Guests can also select a certified nature-based project in regions serviced by the airline.
Alaska's dedication to a sustainable aviation future is exemplified through this partnership, which encourages their passengers to participate in the movement.
Read more about the program on Alaska Airlines.
