This time of year can be tough.
The holidays are over, it's time to take the Christmas tree down, get back to the ol' routine, and return to work. Couple that with gloomy weather, and oh, a pandemic. No wonder January can seem like a bit of a downer.
But, if you need some help getting through, I recommend taking a listen of Episode 177 of the Nobody Panic podcast, aptly named How to Make January Less Sh*t. It not only had me laughing out loud on my morning commute, but made me feel better about the coming weeks.
Keep scrolling to find out more about...
Zero waste pattern cutting
The Fashion Sustainability and Social Accountability Act
'Don't Look Up!'
This weeks recommended reading
Have you heard of zero waste pattern cutting?
I studied pattern making at university and I always loved the almost jigsaw puzzle like challenge that pattern making and cutting bought with it.
But zero waste pattern cutting takes that to a whole other level. It essentially involves laying out your pattern pieces in such a way as to ensure that nothing goes to waste. Or, for a paperless version, drawing your pieces straight onto the fabric using a cutting plan and template.
I recently stumbled across the amazing work of Birgitta Helmersson, a Swedish based designer and developer of zero waste patterns and clothing.
Her zero waste cutting plan approach:
reduces fabric and paper waste
is flexible, as it allows you add or remove length as you like, and patch different fabrics together
build your skills, or refresh old ones
is actually cheaper, considering it's €14 per PDF pattern (compared to €20 plus for a paper pattern, plus postage)
First on my sewing wish-list - the ZW Block Pant.
History in the making? The Fashion Act
This week saw the introduction of the Fashion Sustainability and Social Accountability Act (or Fashion Act for short) in New York. While not yet passed (voting said to be taking place in late Spring), this Act could be the first of it's type that would see some of the biggest players in the fashion and footwear industry (including LVMH, Prada through to Boohoo) be held accountable for their contribution to climate change.
Vanessa Friedman, of the New York Times, published a great summary of what this legislation will entail if passed. Some of the key points include enforcing on companies:
a requirement to map a minimum of 50% of their supply chain, starting with where their raw materials are sourced,
identifying problem areas in relation to social and environmental impact, and making plans to improve these,
being transparent (and online) in relation to their material production volumes,
if in violation of any of these, companies will face fines.
Have you watched 'Don't Look Up!'?
The Netflix film 'Don't Look Up!' sees two astronomers go on a media tour in order to warn the world of an incoming comet that will destroy planet earth.
Is the movie based on fiction or documentary? Well, it was a little too real for my liking, but definitely highlighted some really important issues.
Sure, the film is a little depressing at times. But just maybe, the film will inspire some more people, and further reinforce the sense of urgency surrounding this climate crisis we find ourselves in.
I think the most poignant line in the film comes from Dr. Mindy;
"We really did have everything, didn't we? I mean, when you think about it."
I would love to know your thoughts and opinions!
What I have been reading online this week
How much we buy is something that is within out control. Fast fashion is a master manipulator, from Talia Collective, looks into how gaining an understanding of some of the consumer psychology (or tricks) brands use is a good way to become more conscious in our consumption.
Finding joy in sustainability, from the Evening Standard, reports on the feeling of guilt so often associated with sustainable fashion, and the need to find joy in sustainability by saying yes to shopping in new and exciting ways.
10 ways to cut your wardrobe's carbon footprint in 2022, from iD magazine, suggests achievable ways in which can we can be kind to the environment while still enjoying fashion.
Was 2021 the year we moved away from fast fashion?, from The Independent, identifies some of the areas where progress has been made within the sustainable fashion sector, while also pointing out where work still needs to be made.
Companies race to stem flood of microplastic fibres into the oceans is a high level look at the ways in which we can limit and avoid micro-plastic pollution from our washing machines, and from eventually entering our waterways. Living in an apartment block with shared laundry facilities, my options are a little more limited. However, besides avoiding synthetic fibres in my wardrobe in the first place, I recommend the Guppyfriend wash bag - not foolproof, but better than nothing!
Please get in touch or leave me a comment. I would love to know about your first week of 2022. Let me know what you have reading, watching or listening to this week.
Thanks for reading, and see you next week!
Emma xx
This is a personal blog. Any views or opinions contained on this site are my own. I am not affiliated with any brands, products, or organisations mentioned, and do not receive any sponsorship, payment, or other compensation for any of the content on this site.