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This article discusses Fashion's Carbon Footprint and how recycling textiles can reduce the amount of CO2 emissions.

Thanks Meghan. To be honest, I had no idea fabric could be recycled into new clothes. We collect tons of clothing at move out time. Most is donated to organizations that can distribute the clothes. But some is so gross we toss it. Where can we recycle it?

This article doesn't really apply to my fashion major, but I found it so interesting. It talks about how skateboard have become the leading cause of maple deforestation, even beating out other large sectors like furniture! Bamboo is becoming a more sustainable option for the construction of skateboards because it grows quickly, does not need to be replanted after it is cut down, and helps prevent erosion. Bamboo farms are also helpful in reducing greenhouse gases and producing oxygen.

I would like to see more about the studies that found skateboards the leading cause of maple deforestation. I find that difficult to believe.

Greenpeace is claiming that the toxic chemicals used to produce clothing are harming manufacturers in Asia, as the chemicals contain carcinogens. They suggest buying second hand or organic clothing or buying less garments. It does raise the question of whether the chemicals harm the consumer over time. Obviously it would be very beneficial to reduce the use of these chemicals but I think there are other options besides buying less or second hand.

This article go into detail on the most sustainable sports stadiums in the world. It includes the 2012 Olympic Stadium and the New Meadowlands stadium in New York. When building the new Meadowlands Stadium their plans were to, "reduce air pollution, conserve energy and water, improve waste management and reduce the environmental impact on construction."

This article talks mostly about H&M;s low prices and how it might encourage the idea of disposable fashion. It also mentions how H&M is increasing its use of organically grown cotton by 50 percent every year until 2013. They are also working with its Chinese suppliers to reduce water, energy, and toxic-chemical use in its supply chains.

I like the candy wrapper analogy. This is a good issue for fashion students to think about. The most sustainable fashion is to keep wearing the clothes you already own!

Many people in the northeast U.S are switching to burning wood or wood pellets to save money on heating costs. Wood and wood pellets are cheaper than oil and are said to cut the heating expenses in the northeast in half. Its also much less of a burden on the environment. Burning wood releases about 0.055 kg of CO2 per kWH compared to 0.3kg for coal. This is a great way to save money and help reduce pollution!