ENV211

These new "Fan Can's" are recycling bins that aim to capture the fan. They are there to make recycling more recognizable at stadiums. Attached on the bins are a helmet and team logo. They are used to promote sustainability.

This article talks about the clean water video that was produced last year and how its aim with the strategic alliance of the FISA and the WWF is to educate rowers and fans about the importance of the sport to the global environment.

This article is about how lately consumer trends have been more about buying from smaller farms to invest in community agriculture, but in recent findings this trend is not really helping the environment as much as consumers think.

One of the world's largest producers of lingerie, underwear, and loungewear is finally giving Mother Earth the support she deserves. Triumph International announced Thursday that its entire catalogue of underpinnings is certified free of more than 300 harmful substances.

A workshop was created and being offered free to anyone in Manchester to turn their old clothes and accessories into a new, updated and trendier article for their wardrobe. It encourages consumers to prolong the life of the clothes they purchase instead of disposing them. I wish a workshop like this was offered around here, it sounds like a lot of fun.

It seems like an idea that would be popular in the US. I bet it would be well attended in Boston or San Francisco.

A chemist/fashion designer has created jeans that can make the air cleaner. The jeans are coated with particles of titanium dioxide to neutralize nitrogen oxide emitted by vehicles and factories and the bi product of nitrates washes away in the laundry. Professor Storey, the creator said "Jeans were the ideal item of clothing for their invention because there were more denim jeans on the planet than people." 

Interesting idea. Why don't they put it on paint on buildings or cars instead?

This is such a good idea! Who would have thought that one day we could be doing good for the environment by just walking around!

Interesting idea. They should quantify the actual effect to help justify the energy costs of production.

Fashion retailer H&M has been named the biggest user of organic cotton for the second consecutive year. Their increase in the use is part of their plan to use more sustainable cotton in their clothing lines by 2020. The company has been using certified organic cotton for the past 8 years and their clothes are clearly labeled to inform the consumer of their informed choice. 

But the cotton is probably not from the U.S. Only 1% of U.S. cotton is organic.

Creating denim using old recycled bottles! Really awesome idea, and a great new advancement in sustainability and fashion

Isn't fleece basically recycled bottles? Good idea for Levi's. .

A Minnesota fashion group has created a set of standards for sustainable and "green" fashion. The group hopes to better put the consumer at ease by informing them of the strict standards that are carried out to ensure their garment is ethically made and environmentally sustainable. The group offers their certification requirements free of cost to the designer so it is not difficult or expensive to attain for companies just starting out. 

A set of standards is a good idea. The USDA can set organic standards but most of the environmental harm is from the chemicals used on the textiles later in the cycle.

The small country of Sweden is collecting trash and putting it to good use (and is getting paid to do so)! The article reads that the country is creating energy for around 250,000 homes. Hopefully this will keep waste out of places it doesn't belong (like the ocean). However this does pose the question of how many toxins from the trash will be released into the air?

The toxin question is a good one and how much CO2?

Inventor Izhar Gafni has constructed an Eco-friendly bicycle. The bike is made almost entirely of cardboard. The cardboard is very safe and extremely strong, it is also fireproof and waterproof, making the bike both durable and long lasting. The tires are recycled rubber and the material is solid, preventing punctures. The best part, the bike is only $20, very affordable!!

This will be great in developing countries.

The fashion industry is looking to improve how they manufacture textiles to make them more eco-friendly. They use a lot of chemicals in the making of textiles that harm the environment. They began using soy fiber and Tencel. Even though Tencel uses chemicals during production the chemicals can be reused many times. Tencel fibers are also biodegradable! 

I need to read more about the Better Cotton Initiative. Good article!

Apparently a movie was recently made involving fracking, starring Matt Damon. The movie is called "Promise Land" and includes fracking issues in rural Pennsylvania. Producer's of this film claim to have no position on fracking but most likely the movie will portray the issue negatively. Movie premieres end of December.

I'll have to go see this. Thanks for the post.

Sunglasses have become one of the most popular accessories in today's world of fashion. Creating sunglasses from organic processes and materials and donating the proceeds to reforestation efforts, while planting a tree for each parir of glasses that are purchased not only encourages shoppers to stay on trend with purchasing sunglasses, but it raises awareness to our environment and the impact that we can make on it.

They are all sold out on their web page. My kids would break them so fast!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month brings about a ton of events to raise money to find a cure for the disease. The idea of making art from recycled materials that are shaped liked bras is not only helping fight against breast cancer, but it is helping the environment. What a unique idea!

Clever idea. I hope they raise lots of money.