 Did you know that one garbage truck full of textiles are landfilled or burned every single second? Waste is a huge problem in today's fashion industry and the scope of the problem can feel overwhelming. The problem may seem too big to tackle but there are many small things you can do today to take action.
 There are so many terrible stories detailing the atrocious treatment of garment workers that we can sometimes forget to celebrate the small victories when they occur. A growing awareness has seen a groundswell of support from consumers, fashion influences, activists, non-profits, and government legislators resulting in significant progress in the fight towards the ethical treatment of garment workers. Last year was particularly momentous. Let's take a look at three key feats in 2021 that moved the industry forward and improved garment worker rights in apparel.
 Did you know that more than 60% of garments currently produced are made from polyester and other non-renewable, petroleum-based fibers? With clothing production expected to double in the next 30 years it is imperative to switch to more sustainable options. Here are five sustainable yarns that you might consider sourcing for your apparel brand in 2022.
 Reaching out to garment factories can be daunting for emerging brands. Factory managers are often reluctant to take on first-timers as they can require a large investment in time for little financial return. So how do you catch the attention of a factory and convince them to work with you? Preparation and professionalism are key! Here are 3 tips to start working with garment factories for emerging brands.
 A few weeks ago we gave you some tips on how to set your brand sustainability goals for 2022, but how do you communicate them to your customers without overwhelming them or falling into the trap of greenwashing? Here are a few tips to get you started.
 You may be more cued into supply chain disruptions than normal due to the Pandemic but it's important to know that the fashion supply chain is always changing. Factors outside of your control such as political unrest, conflict and changes to taxes and free trade agreements can make sourcing from some countries difficult and force brands to shift their supply chain. PVH's recent facility closure in Ethiopia is a recent example of this.
 It can take more than 450 years for plastic bags, plastic water bottles and plastic straws to decompose, but that's not the only thing sitting in landfills for centuries. The fashion industry contributes to a wide range of plastic waste from packaging to hangers to all the polyester based materials we make. The problem is clear, but the solution is not. Which sustainable solutions should fashion brands prioritize when trying to reduce their impact? It ranges brand by brand, but if reducing plastic waste is one of your top priorities, here's some steps you can take to go plastic free.
 Disruptions in the supply chain are completely out of your control and this past year your patience has been tested more than ever. We know how frustrating delays can be during your production. You run the risk of not even having product to sell in seasonally important moments on the calendar. Here's how your brand can be better prepared to navigate the supply chain in these uncertain times.
 Garment production uses a surprising amount of water. But maybe not so surprising when you consider it requires growing crops, ginning/spinning fiber, dyeing that fiber, printing patterns in addition to the wash of the garment after construction. However, there are factories who practice sustainability and have found alternatives that won't use as much water as traditional manufacturing. Here's how those factories save what and what they use instead.
 Photo Credit: The Japan Times Back in April 2021 we talked about the proposed bill to ban goods produced in Xinjiang, China in an effort to fight against the human rights abuses taking place against the Uyghur people there. After some push back from major brands like Nike, Apple, and Coca Cola, the bill finally passed with overwhelming bipartisan support on December 16th, 2021. Here's the update and the scoop on why some companies are not on board.
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