Week 11: Lets imagine Regenerative
This is perhaps one of the most important chapters to dig into so far! So, I've made the decision to focus on just one of the two chapters for this weeks meet up. This way, we can delve deeper into the material and also have the opportunity for another relaxed mending session while we chat. Last week's conversation and mending was truly cathartic - I want a repeat :D.
Our weekly gathering is scheduled for 2:30 PM at Goldbergs. Pleas, kindly remember to order a drink and a snack as a gesture of appreciation for utilizing their café facilities.
These are the questions for this week:
Q: Do you think that fashion could be based on a Regenerative model? Do you think we could get to a place in where:
• We would have seasons based on what the earth resources provide
• Composting and fashion design would become synonymous
• We would rely on indigenous methods and culture to path the way, as they have already proven wisdom and stewardship when it comes to living in a regenerative way
• The rights of nature will be in constitutions.
• Care labels will list garment carbon and water footprints.?
Q: The sustainability conversation has been about “harm reduction” - But it should be more inspiring! (focusing on the positive impact ) Says Willaim McDonough the Author of Crade to Cradle ? Do you agree with this statement?
Certification see https://mcdonough.com/cradle-to-cradle/.
Q: Imagine Regenerative fused with Conscious (from Chapter 1). Linking care for biodiversity and social effects together with spiritual. Discuss.
“I think the future of fashion will be slower and more considered. [And] it will also draw more strongly on First Nations approaches and ways of seeing the world, because these world views naturally consider the interconnectedness of things , including of Country and community.” P240
Q How can Indigenous wisdom help us think this way?
“ According to a 2018 study by researchers at Charles Darwin University in Australia, one quarter of the worlds land is currently managed or used by indigenous people, and of that roughly two -thirds remains ‘ essentially natural’”p239
Q: How can partnership work in the fashion industry?
These are a few examples given in the book:
- “LVMH has been working with UNESCO in the Amazon to support micro producers, whose cultivation of natural rubber plantations along rainforest borders is helping to stave off deforestation further” p240
- “There’s high craft connecting back to Country, with Lillardia Briggs-Houston’s woodcut prints for her label Ngarru Miimi” p241
- Paul McManns ball gown that utilizes hand painted gumnuts.
- Grace Lillian Lee woven boddy art - Intertwined collection.
- “For me its not about putting dots paintings on a dress. We focus on the preservation of stories…..what we are doing at FNF+D (https://firstnationsfashiondesign.com/) is create opportunities for our young people to talk about mental health, sustainability, education and career pathways” – “fashion can be a healing space” – Lee p245
Q consider this statement – where did weaving come from? Who do you think first worked out how to make yarn? Indigenous artisan techniques are the foundation of everything we wear today.
Q: The future is in healthy soil. Why should this be a design factor? Think about material composition, composability and chemicals used.
Q: “While organic farms use no toxic chemicals, biodynamic farms step it up to include no outside input at all” p247
Q: Regenerative Futures – Its worth understanding this more so let’s discuss it. For more see https://www.thersa.org/regenerative-futures.