1. Become AWARE :)

Before reaching out to specific facilities, it's important to understand the principles of Fair Trade and circular production. Fair Trade prioritizes fair wages, safe working conditions, and sustainable livelihoods, while circular production emphasizes waste reduction, resource reuse, and extending product lifespans. Together, they represent a more ethical and environmentally friendly approach to fashion.

2. Contacts and Resources

Below are some organizations and contacts that can provide insights and possibly direct connections to Fair Trade and circular production facilities.

Fair Trade and Circular Production Organizations

Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand (FTAANZ)
Email: info@fta.org.au
Website: fta.org.au
Description: FTAANZ is dedicated to promoting Fair Trade and can help connect you with Fair Trade-endorsed designers in Australia. Become an individual member and ask to be connected to a mentor. I had a FTA endorsed mentor right from the start (over 13 yrs ago). 

World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO)
Email: info@wfto.com
Website: wfto.com
Description: WFTO has a vast network of Fair Trade producers worldwide. They are an excellent resource for sourcing Fair Trade-certified facilities.

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
Email: info@global-standard.org
Website: global-standard.org
Description: GOTS certifies organic textiles and often collaborates with circular production facilities. Their directory includes certified factories and producers.

Fashion Revolution
Email:  press@fashionrevolution.org 
Website: fashionrevolution.org
Description: Fashion Revolution advocates for transparency and sustainability in fashion, including circular production practices. They have resources to help you find ethical suppliers. And materials to be actively involved in the advocacy for a Fashion revolution. 

Circular Production and Sustainable Textile Resources

Textile Recyclers Australia
Email: info@textilerecyclers.com.au
Website: texrecaus.com
Description: This is an excellent resource for understanding and accessing circular production options within Australia. It offers insight into local circular economy practices by showing how discarded textiles are recycled and kept in use. It’s a valuable resource for students interested in sustainable design, connecting them with real examples of textile reuse, recycling methods, and potential local partnerships in circular fashion.

Educational Resources and Networks

Clean Clothes Campaign
Email: info@cleanclothes.org
Website: cleanclothes.org
Description: Provides educational resources on ethical production and labour rights, with a network of responsible factories globally.

Remake Our World
Email: info@remake.world
Website: remake.world
Description: Remake is dedicated to sustainable fashion education and advocacy. They provide resources on circular production and Fair Trade.

3. Suggested Steps for Contacting Facilities

• Step 1: Research each organization and its focus to see if it aligns with your fashion design goals.
• Step 2: Prepare an introductory email explaining your project, your interest in Fair Trade and circular production, and specific questions about their network.
• Step 3: Reach out to multiple contacts to get a variety of insights and options.
• Step 4: Follow up if you don’t receive responses within a week or two.

4. Additional Tips

• Be Specific: Mention that you’re a student working on a Fair Trade and circular fashion project; people are often willing to help students.
• Stay Organized: Keep track of responses and recommended contacts in a document to reference later.

Good luck on your journey toward ethical and sustainable fashion design!

Best,

Yvie xo

I’m about to share more than I usually do, so if you’re not in the mood for raw honesty, now might be the time to stop reading. But I’m putting this out there because, deep down, I know how isolating it can feel to exist in a world designed for someone else. Watching others rise after being beaten down has always given me hope, and if I can be that voice for even one person, then it’s worth it.

Here’s the truth: when life kicks you down, it's those who somehow manage to stand back up that remind us we're never truly alone. After years of being knocked around, I think I've earned the right to share a few hard-won insights for anyone who might need them.

I’m on the spectrum. In the life and business I’ve built, my neurodivergence feels like a superpower. But out in the so-called “normal” world, where everything moves so fast, and the noise never seems to stop, that superpower fades. Instead, it feels like a vulnerability.

Last night, I was invited to speak at The Full Circle. It should have been an amazing opportunity—a chance to share my journey. But it turned into the perfect storm: bright lights, blaring music, overlapping conversations everywhere. My mind couldn’t filter it out. All I wanted was a moment of quiet, a space to breathe. On top of that, earlier that day, I’d received my fifth job rejection, and my son had called to say he’d hurt himself at school.

For someone like me, it’s like carrying a cup filled to the brim with water—one more drop, one more small pressure, and it overflows. But when it overflows, it shatters. And last night, that’s exactly what happened. I had to apologize and leave—a first for me. I’ve never walked out of a speaking engagement before. In the past, I’ve pushed through, even after hearing that someone I loved had died just moments before stepping on stage. I’m not a quitter. But I do know when it’s time to step away before I break.

After I left, I cried. At first, it was just the release of being overwhelmed. Then, it was the shame of feeling like I’d let people down. But the hardest tears came when I faced an uncomfortable truth. Through all these job applications, I hadn’t checked the “disability” box. In the world I’ve built for myself, I feel capable, strong. But last night forced me to confront something painful—in the world outside my own, I’m not always able. And that hit hard.

So now, here I am, reeling from rejections and this very public failure, wondering if finding a job is even possible. Maybe I can’t turn my business into a side project like I hoped. I still have to eat, and right now, I’m broke. And yeah, I’m feeling pretty worthless.

But I’m sharing this because I know I’m not alone in feeling locked out of “normal.” My advice? Don’t sink into despair (I am talking to myself here too). Create your own space, the one where you thrive. Turn something horrible into a positive. Last night was tough, but it taught me about my limits and how to navigate this world. Remember: resilience isn’t about never falling; it’s about rising again and again, embracing your journey, and finding strength in vulnerability. And listening to the lessons life teaches us. 

My inner voice is telling me - "It's time to wipe the tears and be your own hero". 


Lots of love,
Yvie xo

• Feel free to bring snacks and a drink. 
• Its a think tank format using as our guide for discussion Peggy Blum's Circular Fashion book. This week we are diving into Chapter 4: Processing. 
• Remember to bring your creativity and passion for sustainable fashion to the book club!
• Don't forget your mending or upcycling creative fashion project. 
• Not a child friendly environment (There are chocking hazards like pins, scissors, a child unfriendly cat and no child minding offered). However, mamas feel free to come to join us at lunch and op-shop tour part :) ).  

These are the questions we will discuss:

1. Currently labels only need Fiber content and country of origin. Should they list the chemicals? How and is anyone doing this?

2. These two questions have the same answer : Why do you need to visit the textile facility? Why do we need to source and use textile production that complies with a third party? 

3. Do we ask bands who made my textile and what chemicals are in what I wear? 

4. Should companies pay for the damage water pollution has caused by their brands? 

This topic is so important because it's where we can finally measure the true environmental impact of producing a piece of clothing. At this stage, the reality comes to light, revealing the harm caused by the chemicals used in fashion production.

Did you know that many of the chemicals used in processing contain carcinogens—substances known to cause cancer—that also pollute waterways? Despite this, fashion brands are not required to disclose their production methods or the chemicals they use. It’s unbelievable! 

If you want to explore this further, check out Alden Wicker's 2023 article in The Gradian, "Are Your Clothes Making You Sick? The Opaque World of Chemicals in Fashion."

Key Terms and Facts for Discussion:

Polyfluorinated Chemicals (PFCs): Used to make fabrics water-repellent. When they break down, they can affect liver function and disrupt hormones.

Formaldehyde: Prevents shrinking, wrinkling, and mildew in clothes. It’s also a known respiratory irritant and carcinogen.

Flame Retardants: Added to prevent the spread of fire but are linked to hormone disruption and possibly cancer.

Cadmium, Mercury, and Lead: Found in many dyes, these toxic heavy metals damage the human nervous system and kidneys.

AZO Dyes: Make up 60-70% of all dyes used in textiles. They release carcinogens, making them a significant cancer risk.

Non-Organic Cotton: Saturated with pesticides, insecticides, and fertilizers, leaving a massive toxic footprint. Wool is similarly treated with chemicals.

Carbon Disulfate: The solvent used in rayon production. It is known to harm the reproductive system and endanger factory workers, surrounding communities, and waterways.

Polyester: Contains dihydric acid and terephthalic acid, which can absorb into wet skin, causing dermatitis and respiratory issues. Polyester production consumes about 342 million barrels of oil annually, making it a significant contributor to fossil fuel reliance and environmental damage. Polyester takes 20 to 200 years to break down, and when washed, it releases microplastics into the ocean, which re-enter our food chain via fish.

In her book, Peggy Blum highlights two key opportunities within circular design to phase out toxic and unsustainable textile manufacturing: a) Replacing harmful processes with safer alternatives. b) Developing greener chemicals, methods, and techniques to reduce environmental and human harm.

As a designer these are my tips to reduce your chemical impact in the textile process:

• Ensuring that manufacturing facilities, particularly dyeing plants, have effective effluent treatment systems. VISIT THE FACILITY!
• Collaborating with suppliers to gradually replace toxic chemicals with safer alternatives, and partnering with companies that provide eco-friendly solutions.
• Exploring the use of natural dyes instead of synthetic ones during the product design phase. 
• Integrating sustainably sourced fabrics and alternatives to chemicals into pricing models and purchasing decisions.
• Partnering with other companies in programs like Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC), which offer a roadmap for reducing chemical use in the textile and footwear sectors.
• Sourcing materials, dyes, and fabrics that comply with third-party certifications such as Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Oeko-Tex Standard 100, bluesign®, or the EU Ecolabel.

I was able to achieve this on a small scale. I knew exactly where my cotton was sourced, who my weavers were, and who dyed and printed my fabrics. So, when people claim that only big businesses can afford that level of transparency, it’s simply not true. They choose not to do it to cut costs. In fact, I would argue that as a small brand, we actually have the advantage of knowing everyone involved in the making of our clothes. 

Water!!!! Did you know that everything you wear required a thousand liters of water to produce it? One area that fashion is getting better is measuring its water footprint.  

The fashion industry is the second-largest consumer of water globally, using approximately 79 billion cubic meters of water annually. This is especially alarming when considering that 2.7 billion people face water scarcity. The fast fashion industry consumes a massive amount of water, while billions lack access to enough drinking water. For context, producing a single cotton t-shirt requires 2,700 liters of water—equivalent to one person’s drinking water for 900 days. (source: https://sustainablecampus.fsu.edu/blog/clothed-conservation-fashion-water)

Textile waste water is the most hazardous waste water for ecosystems when discharged into waterways without proper treatment. despite this over 50% of it ends up in waste water. 

I encourage you to watch this documentary on how fashion is polluting Indonesia's Citarum River.    

We can close the loop on water waste by:

• Shop second-hand: Explore local thrift stores, consignment shops, and resale platforms.
• Extend your clothing’s lifespan: Wash less frequently or by hand, air dry, treat stains promptly, and mend when necessary.
• Donate or resell unused clothing: Instead of discarding unwanted items, donate to a local charity or sell to consignment/resale stores.
• Invest in quality clothing: Choose durable, timeless pieces that won’t go out of style.
• Avoid fast fashion brands.
• Support sustainable cotton brands: Look for certifications like 100% organic, GOTS Certified Organic, recycled, Fairtrade, or Better Cotton Initiative.

If you are a designer and new textiles are being produced, Peggy Blum in her book encourages the use of assessment tools such :

ZDHC Road map: You can find the manufacturers and brands who are not afraid of being transparent and have a genuine objective to reduce toxic chemicals in the fashion processing stage.

The Higgs Materials Sustainability Index: It helps you understand the cradle-to-grave impacts of different materials (such as textiles, plastics, metal and leather) and how processing decisions can change the impact, such as  the use of certification materials - Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Oeko-Tex Standard 100, bluesign®, or the EU Ecolabel.

Lots of love,

Yvie xo

Green America score card:

 https://ausfashioncouncil.com/program/seamless/

• Feel free to bring snacks and a drink. 
• Its a think tank format using as our guide for discussion Peggy Blum's Circular Fashion book. This week we are diving into Chapter 3: Materials. 
• Remember to bring your creativity and passion for sustainable fashion to the book club!
• Don't forget your mending or upcycling creative fashion project. 

The question we will be discussing in our think tank, are just these four questions:

1. What fabric do you like to wear and why?

2. Where do you see the future of fashion in relation to materials and why?  

3. How do you think companies will use these in green washing techniques? 

4. We are going to look at H&M as our case study.  Can fast fashion be eco?

(Want to dig deeper, we recommend this academic paper trying to answer this question: EXAMINING GREENWASHING IN H&M´S ENVIRONMENTAL GREEN ADVERTISING ON INSTAGRAM) 

These are the key concepts from our book club book that we will look at to answer the above question:

1. Choice of materials used, why it is important?

Key quotes:

"Across market segments, it determines up to 2/3 of the brands water emissions, energy and land use". 

"If consumption patterns continue at its current rate, we will need 3 x as many natural resources by the year 2050, compared to that used in 2020"

2. The resources used- Air, water, land, natural chemicals, energy = Environmental Foot print. 

3. Discuss how "biodegradable materials" is being used in green washing. What prevents it from being regenerative and environmentally friendly. 

Did you know that a 100% polyester shirt takes 20 yrs to breakdown. Some synthetic fibers can take up to a thousand years!

4. What should we do about this?  Reuse, repair, remanufacture, recycle. 

5. Know your fibers to avoid green washing:

Image Source: https://gpktt.weebly.com/classification-of-textile-fibers.html

6. know the two verifying standards: Organic content Standard (OCS) and the Global organic Textile standard (GOTS).

Note - Different raw material requirements: OCS contains more than 5% of raw materials that meet the recognized organic standards, while GOTS requires more stringent requirements. It requires 70% organic natural fibers, no blending, and up to 10% synthetic or recycled fiber.

7. Closing the loop good examples and facts in relation to natural fibers. Discuss these in relation to main think tank question.

Re:down - recycles feathers from post consumer goods.

Wool is the most easily reused of all textile fibers.

Microsilk - has the potential to create a completely closed circular loop.

Linen- Requires little water and can survive on rainwater alone. Twice as strong as cotton.  Eileen Fisher uses organic cotton for her collection.

Conventional cotton is the most resource intensive crop produced in the world. Harmful toxins pollute water ways, soil, destroying eco systems and the health of people.  

The Better Cotton Initiative - A not for profit org who work on getting getter cotton. Its not GOTS but its a step in the right direction. 

Hemp - Grows without chemicals in any climate, minimal water and can restore soil health. Good example - DevoHome (Ukrainian Brand) the hemp is even grown near the factory. 

Accessory brand - Freitag  - Custom make your own bag from waste materials.

Cork leather - eco, recyclable and biodegradable. 

Pinatex - made from pineapple waste product.

Orange Fiber  - Silk alternative made from waste by product. 

Bananatex - made from banana leaf.

Mylium - Mushroom/ mycelium fabric.  

Bamboo - Does not require irrigation or pesticides. or fertilizer. However, harsh chemicals and lotd water are needed to make the textile, but can be done in a closed loop system . Want to know more read - How sustainable is it? 

8. Closing the loop, good examples and facts in relation to artificial and synthetic fibers. Discuss these in relation to main think tank question. Should a fabric that already exists on earth be considered an eco alternative for fashion designers ?   

Artificial = Rayon - viscose, lyocell and modal - Toxic chemicals and lots of water to make.   Lyocell and modal are derived from plant material and can now be processed by a non toxic process (NMMO). The process can be done in a closed loop. Tencel is a brand of lyocell made from sustainably grown eucalyptus forests. 

Synthetic - Strong, durable, easy to dye - CHEAP to make.  Polyester and Nylon made from petroleum. 

"262% more CO2 is emitted to make a single   polyester tshirt than a cotton one" 

Adidas and Parley collaboration  - Use  ocean waste plastic as an alternative.

9. Biowaste -Using waste products from post consumer waste. Great example is Parblex  (great for buttons and zips). Another is Agraloop .

In the face of retail challenges, we made a conscious decision to take a radical and rebellious stand against the harsh economic climate, the war on waste, and the encroachment of Western culture. To truly make a difference, we are committed to sourcing exclusively from producers who create the most significant positive impact for both the planet and marginalized people. That’s why we chose to partner with Mulberries in Laos.

Laos, one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia, who face significant economic challenges. Let us look at a comparison to get the picture on percent of population living on less than poverty thresholds compared to Australia. This table uses percentage of population (including non-citizens) living on less than $2.15, $3.65 and $6.85 a day using international (PPP) dollars, this is  what an international dollar would buy in the cited country a comparable amount of goods and services a U.S. dollar would buy in the United States ( data as per the World Bank and Our World in Data).  A reminder of how good most of us we have it here compared to other countries. I think a lot of people have forgotten this. 

(Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_percentage_of_population_living_in_poverty)

Many communities, especially in rural areas, struggle with limited access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. For marginalized groups, including ethnic minorities and women, these challenges are even more pronounced.

By supporting Mulberries, we are contributing to the empowerment of these marginalized communities. Mulberries provides fair wages, safe working conditions, and educational opportunities, helping artisans—many of whom are women—achieve financial independence and improve their quality of life. This partnership allows us to align our business with our values, ensuring that every purchase supports sustainable development and cultural preservation in Laos.

Moving forward, our commitment to only buying from impactful producers like Mulberries ensures that our business is not just about retail but about creating meaningful change for both people and the planet.

When we pick a producer these are the points we look at:

How Does It Protect Cultural Heritage and Identity?

For centuries, the women of Laos have passed down the intricate art of silk weaving from generation to generation, creating textiles that are not just beautiful but also rich with history and symbolism. These handcrafted textiles carry the stories, beliefs, and values of the people who create them, making them invaluable cultural artifacts.

"As globalization continues to blur the lines between distinct cultures, the unique practices and traditions of small communities are at risk of being lost forever. By preserving and promoting these traditional skills, we ensure that future generations can access the rich cultural diversity that defines our world." - Yvie

Does It Support Fair Trade Practices?

Mulberries ensures that the artisans receive fair compensation for their work, which in turn supports their families and communities. They are un fact a Guaranteed World Fair Trade Organization who proudly can display the mark of a business that follows all the ten principles of Fair Trade.

Supporting traditional artisan skills like those at Mulberries contributes to the development of employment opportunities that empower communities, while honoring and respecting their cultural heritage.

Moreover, Mulberries, the entire process—from growing mulberry trees to harvesting silk and weaving textiles—is done sustainably, minimizing environmental impact while preserving the natural resources of the region. There is no waste! For example;

"The unreelable outer layer on the cocoon is saved to create stuffing in pillows and blankets. The silkworm pupae are enjoyed by the Lao villagers who find them an excellent source of protein. Even the silk water is saved as the women prize it as a skin moisturizer." - Mulberries

Do They practice Environmental Stewardship?
Yes! The silk weaving process at Mulberries is a testament to this. By using organic farming methods and natural dyes, the cooperative avoids the harmful chemicals used in industrial textile production. This not only protects the environment but also ensures the health and safety of the artisans and their communities.

Their traditional artisan practice embodies a deep respect for nature, as they are rooted in an understanding of the natural world that has been passed down through generations. This knowledge is crucial in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation. By preserving these skills, we can learn from the wisdom of the past and apply it to create a more sustainable future.

We came to the conclusion that the preservation of traditional artisan skills, such as the silk weaving practices of Laos' Mulberries cooperative, is vital for maintaining cultural heritage, supporting sustainable economies, and protecting the environment. In a world where industrialization and globalization threaten to erase the diversity and richness of our cultural landscapes, it is more important than ever to recognize the value of these skills and to support the artisans who keep them alive.

Thankyou for taking the time to read this.  

Love,

Yvie xo

Ps. Together we can change the world 

Tomorrow our book-club Starts 9:30 @ 20 Robb St Belmont.

• Feel free to bring snacks and a drink. 
• Its a think tank format using  Chapter 2 - Design Thinking & Rethinking in Peggy Blum's Circular Fashion book as our guide for discussion. 
• Remember to bring your creativity and passion for sustainable fashion to the book club! Don't forget your mending or upcycling creative fashion project. 

These are the key concepts we will look at:

A. What Has Changed in the Design Thinking  Process

Traditional Fashion Design (p. 21-23) Is a model were fashion on Autopilot: Designers called the shots, with personal style and seasonal trends dictating everything.

The Influencer Explosion: Thanks to the internet, fashion inspiration is everywhere!

 The Problem: This fast-paced, trend-driven system leads to environmental disaster (think "cheap clothes, worn once").

Enter Design Thinking! (p. 24-25)

It is a human-Centered Design process: This approach places the user (and the planet!) at the heart of the process.

The 5 Principles of Design Thinking: (p. 28-30)

Problem-First: We ditch preconceived solutions and focus on understanding the issue.
Empathy is Key: Understanding the user's needs and desires is crucial.
Brainstorm Like Crazy: No idea is too wild! Get creative!
Prototype & Test: Build rough models to test and refine your solutions.
Adapt & Evolve: Learn from failures and iterate on your ideas.
Stella McCartney's Vegan Collection: (p. 29) A great example of problem-focused design!

B. Circular Fashion Design Considerations: (p. 30-39)

Slow Fashion, Not Fast: Design clothes built to last, with quality materials and timeless appeal.

The 6 Steps of Slow Design: (p.32)
Reveal: Understand the problem (environmental impact of fashion).
Expand: Research materials, user needs, and sustainability.
Reflect: Think deeply about the garment's life cycle.
Engage: Collaborate with different stakeholders.
Participate: Involve consumers in the design process.
Evolve: Continuously improve and adapt designs.

Durability Design: (p. 32) Think functionality AND emotional connection. People cherish clothes they love!

Repairability: (p. 33-34) Embrace Wabi-Sabi (beauty in imperfection).

• Think Borro's clothes with repair options (pg. 34).
• Offer repair kits that complement garment styles.
• Nuddie jeans with life time mendability as value add-on to sale.
• Cool example of this Tom Van Deijnen (@tomofholland) • Instagram photos and videos

Biodegradability: (p. 34) Let our clothes return to the earth naturally!

Dematerialization: (p. 36) Less is more! Reduce material usage and waste. Simple designs. 

Zero-waste design aims for minimal offcuts.
Use scraps for other projects or donate them!

Wearable Technology & Bioculture: (p. 36) Explore innovative materials like the fungi dress! This is a thing, check these out fits out.

Design with Waste: (p. 37) Upcycle and recycle materials for a new life! This is a really good a example of a designer doing  this - ABOUT — DANIEL SILVERSTAIN.  And Susanne Guldager | Designer | Label - La Femme Rousse (fibre2fashion.com)

Group Activity: Let's redesign a clothing item with circular principles in mind!  (refer to p. 36) Think beyond the final product. How will clothes be deconstructed? (buttons, zippers, etc.)