Sustainable Textiles & Fashion
Sustainable Textiles & Fashion
Understanding how clothing is made, worn, and discarded — and exploring the businesses, materials, and systems working to transform one of the world's most polluting industries.
Understanding how clothing is made, worn, and discarded — and exploring the businesses, materials, and systems working to transform one of the world's most polluting industries.
Overview
Overview
The fashion industry accounts for 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions — more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined (UNEP). It produces 20% of global wastewater and consumes 215 trillion liters of water annually. Each year, 92 million tonnes of textile waste is generated globally, with less than 1% of materials recycled into new clothing.
Textile production doubled between 2000 and 2015, while garment lifespans decreased by 36%. If trends continue, fashion could consume 26% of the global carbon budget by 2050.
Organic fibers, recycled textiles, bio-based alternatives, and the trade-offs of each
Organic fibers, recycled textiles, bio-based alternatives, and the trade-offs of each
Rental, resale, repair, and take-back systems that keep garments in use longer
Rental, resale, repair, and take-back systems that keep garments in use longer
Traceability tech, living wages, and accountability from farm to closet
Traceability tech, living wages, and accountability from farm to closet
The fashion industry accounts for 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions — more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined (UNEP). It produces 20% of global wastewater and consumes 215 trillion liters of water annually. Each year, 92 million tonnes of textile waste is generated globally, with less than 1% of materials recycled into new clothing.
Textile production doubled between 2000 and 2015, while garment lifespans decreased by 36%. If trends continue, fashion could consume 26% of the global carbon budget by 2050.
Organic fibers, recycled textiles, bio-based alternatives, and the trade-offs of each
Rental, resale, repair, and take-back systems that keep garments in use longer
Traceability tech, living wages, and accountability from farm to closet
On the Ground
Where this work is happening
Uganda combines primates and plains — gorilla treks in Bwindi, chimps in Kibale, and wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls.
Uganda combines primates and plains — gorilla treks in Bwindi, chimps in Kibale, and wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls.
Rwenzori Mountains
Rwenzori Mountains
Rwenzori Mountains
Bwindi Forest
Bwindi Forest
Bwindi Forest
Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth
Interested to go beyond?
Interested to go beyond?
We're in early stages — exploring locations, connecting with people on the ground, and shaping what these learning journeys could look like. If this theme resonates with you, let us know. We'll reach out when we're planning a trip.
We're in early stages — exploring locations, connecting with people on the ground, and shaping what these learning journeys could look like. If this theme resonates with you, let us know. We'll reach out when we're planning a trip.